Immunizations

What are immunizations?

Immunizations, also called vaccines and vaccinations, teach your immune system to identify pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Immunizations don’t necessarily keep you from getting sick. But they do reduce the risk of potentially severe complications, like hospitalization and premature death.

It’s vital to get immunized at routine checkups. Doing so protects your health and the health of your family, friends, and community.

Who can benefit from immunizations?

Michigan Avenue Primary Care recommends that people of all ages get vaccinated. That’s especially true if you’re pregnant, over 65, or living with an underlying health problem that affects your immune system.

How do immunizations work?

Michigan Avenue Primary Care gives immunizations by injection or nasal spray. When a vaccine enters your body, it causes your immune system to create antibodies –– proteins that fight off pathogens.

Vaccines also prime your cells to remember pathogens that cause infection. When you encounter a specific virus or bacteria, your body knows how to react.

What are some standard immunizations?

Michigan Avenue Primary Care gives immunizations to people of all ages. After a review of your medical records and an exam, your provider might recommend one (or more) of the following vaccines:

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
• Influenza
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella
• Hepatitis A
• COVID-19

Michigan Avenue Primary Care also offers the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine to adults 50 and older.

Are immunizations safe?

Immunizations are safe and typically well-tolerated. Before a vaccine is released to the public, it undergoes testing and review by regulatory bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

After getting a vaccine, you might experience mild side effects, like bruising, redness, or swelling at the injection site. You might also experience a fever, chills, or muscle aches. These symptoms should go away within 24 hours, but if they continue or get worse, contact Michigan Avenue Primary Care immediately.

How effective are immunizations?

The efficacy (effectiveness) rate of immunizations varies depending on your vaccine. For example, the flu vaccine reduces your risk of influenza by up to 60%. The measles vaccine has a 98% efficacy rate.

To learn more about the benefits of immunizations, make an appointment at Michigan Avenue Primary Care by calling the office or booking online today.