Vaccination Clinic in Ocala, FL

Vaccines are injections of substances that protect our bodies against a variety of illnesses and diseases that can cause severe complications, including death. Thanks to the introduction of vaccines, many childhood illnesses have been prevented from leading to severe outcomes and in some cases, the diseases have been eradicated from circulation in developed countries. When properly administered, vaccines provide people with immunity against the disease or illness the vaccine targets.
 
A vaccine works with the body’s own natural defense system in developing and building up immunity. Should a person come into contact with one of these illnesses, they are protected from contracting it. Vaccines don’t always provide 100% immunity against contracting the illness or disease; however, they will lessen the symptoms, effects, and risk of complications or severe outcomes should the person still contract the illness. Vaccines also work to create what is called herd immunity, where healthy people who have been vaccinated prevent the spread of illnesses and diseases, protecting those people who have compromised immune systems and therefore can’t be vaccinated.

There is a long list of standard vaccinations that is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They release a schedule of what vaccinations people should receive and at what age. There are also a couple of optional vaccines, with new vaccines always being in development to be ready if and when they are needed. The Vaccination Schedule starts immediately following birth, with the majority of the vaccinations being administered to young children before they hit school age.
 
The common vaccines include:
 
– Hepatitis B- which is administered in 3 doses at birth, 2 months of age, and between 6 and 18 months of age
– Rotavirus- which is administered in 2 doses at 2 months and 4 months
– Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) were administered in 5 doses under the age of 7 at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years
– Haemophilus influenza type b- in a 3 or 4 dose series at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months for 4 dose series, and 12-15 months
– Pneumococcal conjugate-  administered in 4 doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months
– Inactivated poliovirus- administered in 4 doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years
– Measles, mump, rubella (MMR)- were administered in 2 doses at 12-15 months and 4-6 years
– Varicella- administered in 2 doses at 12-15 months and 4-6 years
 
Additional vaccines administered through adolescence include meningococcal, meningococcal B, and pneumococcal polysaccharide. Your doctor can let you know what vaccines are required and when.

Vaccines provide people of all ages with protection against a wide variety of illnesses and diseases that can cause serious illness, severe complications, and even death. Administration of vaccines start at birth, with most vaccine schedules being complete before children are old enough to start school.
 
The illnesses that vaccines provide protection against include:
 
– Chickenpox
– Diphtheria
– Hepatitis A and B
– Measles, mumps, and rubella
– Meningococcal
– Polio
– Pneumococcal
– Rotavirus
– Tetanus
– Whooping cough
 
Additional vaccines are available to provide protection and decrease the likelihood of severe illness or complications from the flu and Covid-19. Talk to your doctor about your vaccination schedule to make sure you are up to date on all required vaccines. They can also answer any questions you have about optional vaccines, so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Vaccines work by causing the immune system to fight against the bacteria that cause serious diseases and illnesses, thus developing and building up an immunity to them. The vaccine contains certain molecules from the bacteria’s pathogen that will trigger the immune system’s natural defense to fight against the bacteria. By fighting the bacteria, the immune system is building up immunity so that should the body ever be exposed to the actual bacteria, it has defenses in place to stop the bacteria from affecting the immune system. With the widespread use of vaccines, we have been able to eradicate some diseases from the developed world, however ongoing vaccinations are required to prevent them from making a comeback. If you have questions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, reach out to us to discuss your concerns.
 
For more information, call us. We serve patients from Ocala FL, Silver Springs Shores FL, Huntington FL, Zuber FL, Anthony FL and surrounding areas.