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Staying current on your immunizations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your health and the health of others. At Sage Medical Clinic in Helena, Montana, the team of experienced family medicine providers provide immunizations to people of all ages. Whether your child needs immunizations to enroll at a new school or it’s simply time to get your annual flu shot, the team can help. Call Sage Medical Clinic today to schedule immunizations for yourself or your child, or book your appointment online.
Are immunizations and vaccinations the same?
Yes. The words immunizations and vaccinations refer to the same thing. These preventive measures teach your immune system how to identify and defend itself from harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria.
Immunizations don’t necessarily prevent you from getting sick, but they reduce your risk of severe outcomes. When a vaccination enters your body, it causes your immune system to produce antibodies –– proteins that fight infection. These antibodies serve as a warning system, protecting you from hospitalization and premature death.
What are some common immunizations?
The Sage Medical Clinic team administers immunizations to people of all ages, from infants and children to seniors. Depending on your age and needs, they could suggest:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Annual flu shot
- Rotavirus vaccine
- Chickenpox vaccine
- Polio shot
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Shingles vaccine
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
Who can benefit from immunizations?
The Sage Medical Clinic team encourages everyone to get routine immunizations, regardless of age or health history. Vaccines are your first line of defense against contagious illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. You reduce your risk of getting sick by staying current on your immunizations. But the benefits extend to your loved ones and community.
The more people who get immunized, the harder it is for contagious illnesses to spread. And, because some people can’t receive vaccines for religious or medical reasons, keeping your immunizations up to date, helps protect them too.
Are immunizations painful?
Immunizations are safe and typically well-tolerated. Before any immunization is released to the public, it undergoes years of testing by regulatory authorities like the Food and Drug Administration. Some people experience allergic reactions to immunizations, but this is quite rare.
After administering your vaccines, the Sage Medical Clinic team monitors you for 15-20 minutes. If you don’t have a negative reaction during this time, it’s OK to return to work and the rest of your routine.
You might experience mild redness or bruising at the injection site, but these symptoms should improve within 24-48 hours.
Will immunizations make me sick?
Immunizations won’t make you sick. You might experience symptoms like muscle stiffness, nausea, or a fever, but these symptoms are typically mild and resolve within a day. If they continue or get worse, contact Sage Medical Clinic right away.
Call Sage Medical Clinic today to schedule an immunization appointment, or book your visit online.