Immunizations

Immunizations services offered in Silver Spring, MD

Keeping up with your immunizations is an essential part of staying healthy and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The experienced team at Washington Medical Clinic LLC in Silver Spring, Maryland, are here to help you stay current on your vaccinations. Whether you need an annual flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine, the team can deliver the care you deserve. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

Immunizations Q&A

What are immunizations?

Immunizations, also called vaccinations, protect individuals and communities from infectious diseases. They work by stimulating your body's immunity. While many immunizations are injectable, some are available in oral medications and nasal sprays.

Staying up to date on your vaccine schedule prevents infectious diseases from spreading through your community. You receive most of your immunizations during childhood, some within your first few days of life.

As you age, you may need booster shots to maintain immunity. Some vaccines, like the flu shot, also require annual renewal to remain effective against the latest strains of the virus.

How do immunizations work?

Immunizations introduce a small amount of a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, into your body. This harmless pathogen triggers the immune system, which responds by producing proteins called antibodies. These antibodies recognize the specific pathogen so they can fight it off in the future.

When you come in contact with the real virus, your immune system already has the appropriate antibodies to protect you from infection. This way, your immune system protects you from infectious diseases before you can even be infected.

Why are immunizations important?

Immunizations prevent infectious diseases from spreading through communities, which protects individuals around the world. Many vaccines have eradicated communicable diseases, saving millions of lives worldwide.

For example, smallpox claimed more than 300 million lives before a vaccine issued globally eradicated the disease in 1977. The vaccine eliminated the need to prevent and treat smallpox.

What are the most common immunizations?

Washington Medical Clinic LLC offers a complete range of immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Flu (influenza)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Chickenpox
Diphtheria
Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b)
Dengue
HPV (human papillomavirus)
Mumps
Pneumococcal
Polio (poliomyelitis)
Measles
Meningococcal
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Rotavirus
Rubella (German measles)
Shingles (herpes zoster)
Whooping Cough (pertussis )
COVID-19

The team works with you to help you and your family stay up to date on your vaccine schedule throughout life.

Immunizations help protect you and your community against infectious diseases. To stay up to date on your vaccine schedule, call Washington Medical Clinic LLC today or book an appointment online today.