Why do I need vaccinations?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccinations as protection from many major illnesses and diseases. Sometimes, a vaccination can save your life, so it's very important to discuss your vaccination history with your Ross Bridge Medical Center physician.
Which vaccinations do I need, and when do I need them?
Your exact vaccination schedule can vary depending on your history. The vaccinations that most adults need include:
- Flu: once a year
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis: booster every 10 years, extra dose during pregnancy
- Shingles zoster: two doses at around age 50, or a single dose at 60
- Pneumococcal: one dose of each of the two pneumococcal vaccines when recommended by your doctor
- Meningococcal: as recommended by your doctor
You may need other vaccinations — including measles, mumps, and rubella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B, among others — if you didn't have them as a child. Your Ross Bridge Medical Center physician can design an adult vaccination schedule that gets you caught up and protects your health.
Do I need vaccinations before I travel out of the country?
Yes. Traveling outside of the United States often means you need extra vaccinations. When you finalize your travel plans, get in touch with a physician at Ross Bridge Medical Center to find out what kind of extra vaccinations you might need for your destination.
Many foreign countries have disease risks that aren't present in the United States, so it's vital that you get protected ahead of time. Plus, many foreign countries require that any visitors have the appropriate vaccinations. Your doctor gives you proof of your vaccinations, documents you may need to have with you during your travels.
Do vaccinations hurt?
Vaccinations aren't painful for most patients. You may feel a brief stinging sensation but it's over very quickly, and the shots don’t interrupt your daily routine.
Side effects from vaccinations are rare. However, they're medications and as such, side effects are possible. For the great majority of patients who experience vaccination side effects, the symptoms tend to be quite mild. For example, you might have a slightly sore arm at the injection site or a mild fever. Typically, any vaccination side effects resolve within just a few days.
For all your vaccination needs, call Ross Bridge Medical Center or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
