Immunizations

Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of contagious disease. At I & B Medical Associates, the team of primary care specialists regularly administer immunizations, including the seasonal flu shot, the COVID-19 vaccine, and the shingles vaccine. We accept Medicare. To make an appointment, call the office in Miami, Florida, or book online today.

What are immunizations?

Immunizations, or vaccines, help your immune system identify substances that make you sick, like viruses, bacteria, or fungi. They do that by exposing you to a harmless version of a contagious disease.

When a vaccine enters your body, your immune system develops antibodies –– unique proteins that help ward off infection. If you encounter that same pathogen in the future, your body knows how to respond, reducing your risk of hospitalization or death.

What immunizations do I need?

The type of immunizations you need depends on several factors, including your age, medical history, and occupation. That said, the team at I & B Medical Associates recommends that all adults receive the following vaccines:

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• The seasonal flu
• COVID-19
• Rotavirus
• Chickenpox 
• Hepatitis A
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Shingles
• Meningococcal vaccination

You might also benefit from the pneumococcal vaccination if you’re 65 or older.

Are immunizations safe?

Immunizations are safe and present few risks. Before release to the general public, a vaccine undergoes testing and review by scientists, researchers, and regulatory bodies, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

After you get an immunization, it’s normal to experience redness, bruising, or sensitivity at the injection site. Any discomfort should subside within 24 hours, but you can take anti-inflammatory medication or apply an ice pack to the area, if necessary.

If your symptoms get worse or last for more than a day, contact I & B Medical Associates immediately.

Will immunizations make me sick?

No. Immunizations won’t make you sick, regardless of what you might have heard. While your body builds an adaptive immune response, you might experience a slight fever, body aches, or chills, but these side effects subside quickly. 

How effective are immunizations?

The efficacy of immunizations varies from one type to the next. Though no vaccine is 100% effective, receiving regular immunizations is one of the easiest ways to protect your health and the health of others.

When a majority of the community gets immunized, it’s harder for contagious pathogens to spread. What’s more, immunizations protect vulnerable people like infants, senior citizens, and those with underlying health problems, reducing the risk of potentially deadly outcomes. 

If you’d like to update your immunizations, make an appointment at I & B Medical Associates by calling the office or booking online today.