Vaccinations & immunizations

Vaccines

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a product administered to a patient to produce immunity from a disease. It contains dead or weakened organisms to produce a response in the immune system. Vaccines come in many forms and exist for a variety of diseases.

Vaccinations are sometimes called immunizations. The difference between a vaccination and an immunization is that the immunization is the actual process that goes on in the immune system after a vaccination.

Why are vaccines good?

Vaccines protect from preventable diseases. Vaccines for children are especially important, as their immune systems are not as strong as those of adults’. As a preventative health measure, various vaccines are strongly recommended for school and many different occupations. Vaccine charts, also called immunization charts, are schedules developed by health organizations that indicate when people should be vaccinated.

Types of vaccinations

Influenza

The influenza vaccine, better known as a flu shot, is a vaccination that protects against influenza.

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B is a type of hepatitis, a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is a serious illness that can cause lasting damage. Hepatitis B is caused from contact with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and abdominal pain, but some people have no symptoms. Thankfully, you can protect yourself with the hepatitis B vaccine. It’s convenient and affordable at FastMed, available without an appointment.

Tetanus shots

Tetanus is a bacterial infection that produces toxins that affect the nervous system, causing severe muscle stiffness. Tetanus spores are commonly found in soil, manure, and dust. They enter the body through cuts, scratches, and wounds caused by nails or other sharp metal objects. Symptoms include muscle spasms or tightness in the neck, jaw (lockjaw), arms, legs, and abdomen, difficulty swallowing, high fever, sweating, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure.

The tetanus vaccine is typically given early in childhood, as part of the Tdap vaccine. Because the vaccine’s protection decreases over time, adults should get a tetanus booster shot at least every ten years. If you suffer a cut or puncture wound, your healthcare provider may recommend a booster—especially if you don’t remember when you had your last tetanus shot.

You can protect yourself with a tetanus shot from FastMed. FastMed offers convenient and affordable tetanus shots. We’re open 365 days and most of our clinics are open 7 days a week including holidays. Whether you’re concerned about a recent injury that might be infected, or you’re just due for a booster, visit us at FastMed and we’ll take care of it right away.

Tdap vaccine

The Tdap vaccine, offered at FastMed, protects children age 7 and older from diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. With extended hours, you could even come by after school. Make a simple and convenient stop at FastMed for this important vaccine.

Immunizations

What is an immunization?

Immunization is the process that happens in the human body when a vaccination is received. Immunization prepares your immune system to fight off the diseases included in the vaccine. Many people use the word immunization interchangeably with vaccination, but they aren’t the same thing.

Types of immunizations

There are a wide variety of immunizations available for painful, dangerous, and life-threatening diseases. Immunizations reduce the incidence of preventable diseases. This preventive approach keeps healthcare costs down and allows healthcare resources to focus more attention on people in need of care. Most importantly, it saves lives. Healthcare professionals have created a series of immunization charts to show when people should be vaccinated.

Where to get vaccines and immunizations

Many people get vaccines and immunizations at the doctor’s office or pharmacy. If you or someone in your family needs a vaccine or immunization, we are here to help. FastMed offers select vaccinations and immunizations. Please check with your local clinic on availability.