Vaccinations and Immunizations

Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations and immunizations can reduce your risk of contagious illnesses and protect those around you. At Honeycomb Medical Group’s four offices in Memphis, Tennessee, and Holly Springs, Mississippi, the primary care providers regularly administer vaccinations and immunizations. Call the nearest office if it’s time to update your vaccinations, or book an appointment online today.

What are vaccinations and immunizations?

Vaccinations and immunizations train your immune system to identify and eliminate harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. 

Exposing your immune system to inactivated pathogens causes the production of antibodies –– proteins that defend your body from infection. Getting vaccinated won’t necessarily keep you from getting sick, but it does reduce the risk of potentially severe side effects. 

What are some common immunizations and vaccinations?

The doctors and nurse practitioners at Honeycomb Medical Group administer the most common immunizations and vaccinations in-office. Depending on your age, health history, and needs, they may suggest:

• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus (RV)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Inactivated polio vaccine
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Influenza (seasonal flu)
• COVID-19
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

If you’re 50 or older, your provider may recommend getting the shingles or pneumococcal vaccine.

How do immunizations and vaccinations work?

Immunizations and vaccinations expose you to a safe version of a particular pathogen. When the pathogen enters your bloodstream, your immune system makes special proteins called antibodies to fend them off.

That process teaches your immune system to remember specific diseases, so if you’re ever exposed in the future, your body can quickly respond.

Are vaccinations and immunizations safe?

Yes. Vaccinations and immunizations are safe and usually well-tolerated. Before any vaccine is released to the public, it undergoes years of testing and authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism or any other neurological problems. That said, it’s normal to have redness, mild swelling, and increased sensitivity at the injection site for a day or two.

Which vaccinations and immunizations will benefit me?

The type of vaccinations and immunizations that benefit you most depends on your age, health, and lifestyle. After a review of your medical records and a physical exam, your Honeycomb Medical Group provider can develop a vaccination schedule that aligns with your needs.

Even if you’re up-to-date on all of your main vaccines, it’s crucial to get certain shots, like the seasonal flu and the COVID-19 vaccine, annually. 

Call the nearest Honeycomb Medical Group office to schedule an appointment for immunizations and vaccinations, or book one online today.