Staying up-to-date on your vaccines is one of the easiest ways to preserve your health and well-being. By receiving vaccines, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community. At Sunnylane Medical Clinic, Brad Peterson, APRN, offers vaccines to people of all ages. Following an in-office consultation, he can make recommendations that align with your medical history and needs. To make an appointment at the practice in Del City, Oklahoma, call the office or schedule online today.
request an appointmentWhat are vaccines?
Vaccines teach your body’s immune system to identify and destroy potentially harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. When a vaccine enters your body, it triggers the production of antibodies — proteins that neutralize foreign objects.
Vaccines won’t necessarily prevent you from getting sick, but they can reduce the risk of potentially serious side effects. What’s more, If you’re fully vaccinated, you’re less likely to experience severe illness or require hospitalization.
What are some of the most common vaccines?
Sunnylane Medical Clinic offers a variety of common vaccines, including:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
- Chickenpox
- Seasonal flu
- COVID-19
- Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Individuals can also access tetanus shots, pneumonia vaccines, and booster shots if prescribed.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines help your immune system defend itself from harmful invaders. They prime it to identify potential threats by exposing you to a harmless version of a potential toxin, like a dead, weakened, or inactivated pathogen.
After receiving a vaccine, your immune system receives a warning. It uses that warning to develop antigens that help you build immunity.
What type of vaccines will benefit me?
The type of vaccines that will most benefit you depends on your age, medical history, and health status. Following a physical exam and a review of your records, your Sunnylane Medical Clinic provider can make recommendations that align with your needs.
If you regularly visit the doctor, you’re likely up to date. If it’s been several years since your last checkup, you might need one or multiple shots.
Do vaccines present side effects?
Vaccines are safe and usually well-tolerated. Before being released to the general public, vaccines undergo significant testing and research by regulatory bodies like the FDA and Health and Human Services (HHS).
After you get a vaccine, it’s normal to experience mild side effects, including:
- Joint pain
- Muscle weakness
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- A fever
Once you receive a vaccine, go home and get some rest. Drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. You should feel back to normal within 24-48 hours, but if your symptoms persist, contact Sunnylane Medical Clinic right away.
If it’s been more than a year since you last updated your vaccines, make an appointment at Sunnylane Medical Clinic by calling the office or scheduling online.