Vaccinations

Protect yourself and your community from infectious diseases by staying up to date on your vaccine schedule. At On Time Urgent Care, LLC, in Columbus, Ohio, Taiwo Adebayo, NP, and her team administer all vaccinations needed by children, teenagers, and adults. From seasonal flu shots to travel vaccinations, the team helps you remain healthy and safe. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What are vaccinations?

A vaccine (immunization) is a biological substance that activates your body’s natural immunity to protect against harmful pathogens (germs). Vaccines contain dead or weakened forms of bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Exposing yourself to small amounts of a virus prepares your immune system to fight it off whenever it encounters the same pathogen.

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccines work by strengthening your immune system’s response to specific pathogens. When you’re infected with an illness, your immune system retains a “memory” of the pathogen to protect you. Vaccinations trigger this response before you even get sick.

A vaccine’s pathogen content isn’t strong enough to infect you. Instead, it activates your natural immunity. That way, your immune system recognizes the virus or bacteria without forcing you to get sick first.

What are the most common vaccinations?

On Time Urgent Care, LLC, offers many vaccines at its clinic, including:

• Polio
• Rotavirus
• Influenza (flu)
• Meningococcal disease
• Pneumococcal disease
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap or Dtap)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Shingles
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
• COVID-19

Maintaining an updated immunization history is essential to staying on track with your preventive care plan.

How often do I need vaccinations?

You receive most of your vaccinations before you’re six years old. After that age, you’ll need regular booster shots for some of them to maintain immunity.

Some vaccines, like the flu shot, are required every year, while others, like the Tdap vaccine, require a booster every 10 years. The team might recommend more frequent booster shots for particular vaccines if you have an underlying health concern that interferes with your immunity.

Are vaccinations safe?

Yes, vaccines are safe. Vaccines undergo rigorous research and testing in the United States before they reach the public. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates vaccines to ensure public health and safety.

While some vaccines carry side effects like swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site, their benefits far outweigh their consequences. Vaccinations protect against potentially life-threatening diseases like polio and hepatitis. Immunizing yourself is the safest way to protect your community against infectious diseases.

Call On Time Urgent Care, LLC, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about vaccinations.