Staying healthy starts with regular checkups, health education, and preventive care. 

This includes immunizations.

Whether you’re a parent bringing in your child for school vaccines or an adult who needs a flu shot or COVID booster, it’s always the right time to talk about the importance of immunization for all ages.

Checking your vaccination status and asking questions about recommended vaccines is an important step in protecting yourself, your family, and your community. Whether you need a flu shot, a childhood immunization, or a vaccine for travel, staying up to date with immunizations helps keep everyone safe and healthy.

Why Is Immunization Important?

Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases. Vaccines help your immune system recognize and fight off harmful germs like viruses and bacteria. When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re also helping protect those around you, especially people who can’t get vaccinated because of age or health conditions.

Vaccines also save time and money by preventing illness, which can reduce missed work or school, doctor visits, and hospital bills.

Common Vaccines and Who Needs Them

  • Children and Teens: Kids need several vaccines in their first few years to build strong immunity. As they grow, they’ll need booster shots and new vaccines, especially when entering school. Teens may need shots like the HPV vaccine and a meningitis vaccine to protect them as they become more social and travel more.
  • Adults: Even healthy adults need vaccines. Tetanus boosters, flu shots every year, and COVID-19 vaccines are some of the most common. If you didn’t get certain vaccines as a child, it’s not too late to catch up. Your doctor can help you know which vaccines you need based on your age and health.
  • Older Adults: As we age, our immune systems get weaker, making it harder to fight off infections. Older adults should stay up to date on their vaccines, especially for flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19.
  • Pregnant Women: Some vaccines are especially important during pregnancy. They can protect both mom and baby from preventable diseases. Your healthcare provider can guide you on which vaccines are recommended.

Immunizations and School

Many schools require certain vaccines for students to attend. Getting these vaccines helps keep schools safe and open. Parents should check with their child’s doctor or school nurse to make sure their child’s immunizations are up to date.

Addressing Concerns

Some people hesitate to get vaccinated because of misinformation or concerns about safety. Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness before approval. Side effects are usually mild, like a sore arm or slight fever, while serious reactions are very rare.

Some people believe that healthy individuals don’t need vaccines or that natural immunity is better, but both ideas are misleading. Even healthy people can still get sick or unknowingly spread diseases to others, which puts vulnerable members of the community at risk. While it’s true that the body can build immunity after infection, actually getting the disease can be far more dangerous than receiving a vaccine. Vaccines provide strong, safe protection without exposing you to the serious complications that can come with illness.

Take Action

Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to prevent illness and protect the people we love. Every shot given is a step toward a healthier future for all.

How Teche Health Can Help

At Teche Health, we make it easy to get the vaccines you need. We offer immunizations for children, teens, and adults at our health centers. Our team is here to answer questions, provide vaccine records, and help you stay on schedule.

If you’re unsure about what vaccines you or your child need, just ask. We can check your records and help you make a plan. Whether you need a school shot, flu shot, or a catch-up vaccine, we’re here for you.

Call or visit Teche Health today to schedule your immunization appointment.