Vaccinations Specialist

What are vaccinations?

Immunity is your body's natural defense to disease. You build up immunity after getting sick or with a vaccination.

By kickstarting your immune system, vaccines act as preventive care to stop illnesses before you get sick. Vaccines stop the spread of contagious diseases around your neighborhood, work, and school. 

American River Urgent Care offers the most widely used vaccines, including for the flu and other contagious illnesses. 

What illnesses do vaccines prevent?

Vaccines prevent many different diseases. Each vaccine is developed to work on a single disease or condition, such as: 

• Diphtheria: can lead to breathing problems and other symptoms
• Tetanus: causes severe tightening of your muscles
• Pertussis: a condition causing violent coughing and other symptoms
• Hepatitis B: a virus that may cause liver damage or liver cancer
• Pneumococcal disease: can lead to meningitis 

However, some vaccines are grouped together. For example, the vaccine MMR immunizes against measles, mumps, and rubella.

How many shots do I need to get vaccinated?

The number of shots you'll need depends on the type of vaccines. Some require several shots over time to maintain immunity. Some vaccines can be inhaled, avoiding the need for a shot. Other times, several vaccines are packaged into one shot, reducing your total number of shots.

What vaccines does my child need?

Your baby has their first vaccine right after birth, then a series of vaccines with each passing month and year. If your child needs to be vaccinated, your provider at American River Urgent Care reviews your child’s vaccination history. They recommend the appropriate vaccines based on your child’s age. 

Children and adolescents are administered the following vaccines on a set schedule:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTap)
• Haemophilus influenzae type B 
• Hepatitis A 
• Hepatitis B 
• Human papillomavirus 
• Measles, mumps, and rubella 
• Meningococcal
• Pneumococcal
• Poliovirus
• Rotavirus
• Tetanus and diphtheria
• Varicella

Your provider at American River Urgent Care explains when your child or teen should receive each of these vaccines.

If you want for you and your family to remain healthy, vaccines build up natural defenses against diseases. The team at American River Urgent Care recommends the right immunizations for you or a loved one. Call today, or schedule a consultation online.