Vaccines save more than 2 million lives each year, according to The World Health Organization. At Family Care at Parklawn in Midwest City, Oklahoma, Dr. Carla Walker, offers vaccines to help you and your family stay up-to-date on your immunizations. To schedule your vaccine, use the convenient online scheduling tool or call the practice to schedule an appointment today.

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What are vaccines?

Vaccines are injectable medications that help you build immunity to specific diseases. When you get a vaccination, it injects a small number of weakened viral or bacterial germs into your bloodstream, so your body learns to recognize them and fight them off.

If you come into contact with the disease or virus after vaccination, your immune system prevents you from getting sick or lessens any sickness that might still develop.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Vaccines reduce your risk of getting certain diseases and from suffering from the disease’s complications. For example, the HPV vaccine reduces your risk of cervical cancer, and the hepatitis B vaccine reduces your risk of liver cancer.

Some people can’t get certain vaccines due to their health condition or age and rely on you and others to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of disease.

What vaccines are available for adults?

While vaccines are commonly associated with babies, children, and adolescents, Family Care at Parklawn also offers vaccines for adults. Adults require vaccines because immunity received from childhood vaccines wears off over time, and adults are at risk for different diseases than children.

Adult vaccine recommendations depend on your medical history, age, and travel requirements. Common vaccines for adults include:

  • Flu shots
  • Pneumonia
  • Shingles
  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis A, B, or C
  • Tdap
  • Covid-19

If you have international travel plans, check with your destination’s government 4-6 weeks before traveling to determine whether you need vaccines.

What are the side effects of vaccines?

Vaccines undergo extensive testing for effectiveness and safety. While considered safe, vaccines can cause side effects for some people. The team at Family Care at Parklawn provides information about the potential side effects associated with the vaccines you receive.

Common side effects of vaccines include:

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue

Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and don’t last very long. You may have an increased risk of adverse reactions to side effects if you have a family history of weakened immune systems or vaccine-related allergies.

If you’re planning to travel, want to receive the annual flu shot, or need other vaccinations, schedule an appointment online or call Family Care at Parklawn today.