What are immunizations?
Immunizations provide immunity to a certain disease. The most common form of immunization is vaccination. Immunizations have been proven to effectively prevent more than 2 million fatalities each year. Different immunizations are recommended and required for babies, children, and adults. It’s important to be aware what immunizations are available and required to better protect you and your family.
Immunizations are not only proven safe and effective; they protect and save many lives every year. It is important to vaccinate yourself and your family, not to just protect them but others. At B You Body and Skin Care Solutions, we offer immunizations for patients of every age.
What are childhood immunizations?
Today, there are many vaccines recommended to protect children’s immune systems. Certain ones are required for school-age children to prevent the spread of infectious disease within the school system. Some of the most common vaccinations include: polio, measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Children who are not vaccinated are at risk for not only catching these infectious diseases, but infecting others who may be unable to receive vaccinations due to age or illness.
What are adult vaccinations?
Adult vaccinations are equally as important as childhood ones. As we grow older, some of our earlier vaccinations lose effectiveness and need to be re-administered. One of the most common and necessary vaccinations adults receive is the flu shot. Other vaccinations commonly given to adults of different ages include: diphtheria, tetanus, shingles, human papillomavirus, meningitis, chickenpox, Hepatitis A and B, measles, rubella, and mumps.
What is the flu?
The flu, also known as influenza, is an illness affecting the respiratory system. There are two virus types: influenza A and influenza B. This virus spreads by affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract. Although many people may not realize it, the flu is very contagious and can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization and death. In Canada, approximately 12,000 people are hospitalized and 3,500 people die yearly from flu-related causes. The flu can be prevented by receiving an annual flu shot.
Why is the flu shot so important?
Every flu season is different, so it is important to get vaccinated annually. Flu vaccines cause the body to develop antibodies approximately two weeks following the vaccination. The vaccine not only prevents people from developing the disease, but it also reduces the risk of flu-related complications, hospitalization, and death. Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to developing complications or flu-related fatalities. That’s why it’s important to vaccinate not only to protect yourself, but those around you.
Schedule an appointment in Maple Ridge, British Columbia
To learn more about immunizations at B You Body and Skin Care Solutions at Mageta Family Medical Clinic, please call our office at (236) 885-5444 or fill out our online request form to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.