Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a critical part of building a strong and resilient immune system, and are among the services available from the experienced team at Prudent Medical Providers in Tacoma and Federal Way, Washington. If you or your child needs vaccinations, simply call the office to set up a visit, or use the easy online booking tool to find a time that fits your busy schedule. 

What are vaccinations?

Vaccines are injectable substances that prompt your immune system to develop a healthy response to specific types of disease. Vaccination is the process of delivering vaccines into your body, and immunization is the process of developing immunity through vaccines. 

However, all of these terms are commonly used interchangeably to refer to the process of using vaccines to create a powerful immune defense against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Scientists and researchers determine which vaccines you should have to prevent serious infections.  

How do vaccinations work?

The best way to understand vaccines is to think about how your body naturally fights off infection. When your system recognizes a potentially harmful substance (antigen), it swiftly begins creating special proteins called antibodies that launch an attack. 

Your immune system can then “remember” not only the potentially dangerous substance but also how to fight back. If you ever encounter that antigen in its full strength, your immune system can fight it off quickly. 

This process works automatically without any assistance from modern medicine. The problem lies in the fact that some infections are so strong they can overwhelm your body before your immune system can react. 

That’s where vaccines come in. Vaccines introduce a weakened form of an antigen into your body to prompt your immune system to respond, but the antigen is not always strong enough to provoke a full infection.  

How do I know if I need vaccinations?

Everyone should have the recommended vaccines during childhood to develop a healthy immune system. In fact, vaccinations are the reason why we don’t have deadly outbreaks of diseases that still plague other areas of the world. 

You may be surprised to learn that many adults have gaps in their immunization record. Fortunately, you can have these vaccines during adulthood to ensure you’re fully protected. 

Prudent Medical Providers adheres to the vaccination guidelines laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which relies on information provided by the nation’s top medical and public health advisors. 

Schedule a visit at Prudent Medical Providers to learn if you or your child needs specific vaccines. Booking options include online scheduling and phone calls during normal business hours. However, it’s important to bring your immunization records with you.