Immunizations

Immunizations in Maple Ridge, BC

Immunizations are a key part of your overall physical health. From childhood onward, vaccinations help the body fight various diseases it may come into contact with. Whether you need immunizations for school, travel, work, or just want to make sure you are protected, the physicians at Fraser Medical Clinic can help.

What are immunizations?

An immunization is when a person is given a vaccine to make their immune system resistant to certain infections or disease. One of the most common and recognizable immunizations is the flu shot. There are many different types of immunizations, including those for children, adults, and travel. Depending upon your age and vocation, different vaccinations may be recommended.

What are childhood immunizations?

School is one of the most common places for children to catch illnesses and diseases from other kids. With the constant contact, sharing, and touching, it is inevitable that an illness will spread around a school with children of any age. Younger children, are especially at risk, as they are more likely to touch one another and don’t understand how to stop spreading germs. Additionally, college dormitories are notorious for not only flu and cold outbreaks, but more serious illnesses like meningitis. Common childhood vaccinations include: tetanus, chickenpox, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), rotavirus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, and human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

What are adult immunizations?

Of all the adult vaccinations, the most widely recognized is the flu shot. Getting the flu shot is not only important to protect yourself but to protect others. Babies, infants, and the elderly are most susceptible to develop severe flu symptoms. Their symptoms are more severe and often lead to complications. That’s why it is important to vaccinate not only for yourself but for others. Some occupations, such as working in a hospital or school, may even require that you receive a flu shot before coming back to work. This prevents the spread of such a contagious disease in a vulnerable environment. Other common immunizations include some from childhood and adolescence, those that have run their course and need to be administered again.

What are travel immunizations?

If you are planning on traveling outside of the country, certain vaccinations may be recommended while others are required. This all depends upon your final destination. Depending upon where you are traveling, without certain vaccinations, your body may be susceptible to contracting certain illnesses. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on common diseases in the area you are traveling to. A couple examples of travel vaccinations not covered during your annual exam are: yellow fever and meningococcal meningitis.

Schedule an appointment at Fraser Medical Clinic

To learn more about vaccinations and schedule an appointment, please call our Maple Ridge office at (604) 463-1300.