Did you know August is National Immunization Awareness Month?  Celebrated annually, National Immunization Awareness Month raises awareness on the importance of getting vaccinated for people 1 year or older.

But why are vaccinations important?  Vaccinations are administered to protect us against serious, life-threatening diseases and infections.  But if you’re skeptical about getting vaccinated, here are answers to a few questions you may have.

Why are vaccinations important?

Vaccinations help your body build up an immunity to a disease, which aids in the prevention of you catching it.  Being unable to catch a disease lessens your chances of spreading it, and eventually erasing the disease all together.

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccinations are a weakened strain of the bacteria or virus, and when injected, your body detects the invaders and creates antibodies that learn the most effective means of destroying the bacteria.

Once your body learns how to destroy the disease, your body is protected against the exposed bacteria or infection.

What diseases do vaccinations prevent?

Receiving vaccinations can prevent you from being infected with life-threatening/altering diseases such as:

• Influenza
• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
• Measles/mumps/rubella
• Polio Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP)
• Chickenpox
• Pneumococcals

Are vaccinations safe?

Vaccinations are known to protect you, not to harm you, and rarely have serious side effects.  However, if you do notice or are suffering from side effects such as severe rashes, difficulty breathing, high grade fever, seizures, or loss of consciousness, you should seek immediate emergency care.

Where can I go to receive these vaccinations?

Usually you can receive necessary vaccinations during your annual check-up with your primary care physician.  But often times, it can be a hassle to book an appointment with your doctor.

For moments such as these, visit AFC Urgent Care Malden for walk-in vaccinations – no appointment necessary.

For more information about vaccinations or other services we provide, please call us at 781-322-7300.