Vaccinations

Vaccinations can prevent infectious diseases from spreading through your home and community. At his internal medicine practice in the Arden-Arcade neighborhood of Sacramento, California, Douglas Young, M.D., offers a full range of vaccines for men and women ages 20 and older. Contact the office today or use the online booking tool to update your vaccine schedule and prevent the spread of the flu, COVID-19, and other communicable viruses.

What are vaccinations?

Vaccinations are preventive treatments that slow the spread of infectious viruses to keep communities healthy and safe. Vaccines harness the body’s natural defense mechanism to stop people from contracting contagious diseases in the first place. 

Getting vaccinated can protect you and those around you while reducing your need for emergency care and invasive treatments later.

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccines work by triggering your body’s immune response. The immune system is a complex network that fights infections and outside invaders, such as bacteria, germs, and viruses. 

A vaccine introduces a minimal amount of a weakened pathogen into your body to activate the immune system without causing an infection. Once the pathogen reaches your body, your immune system creates antibodies to prevent infection in the future. 

What are the most common vaccinations?

Douglas Young, M.D., administers a full range of vaccines to ensure patients remain current on their vaccine schedules. The most common vaccinations in the United States include:

• Influenza (flu)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (Tdap)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• Zoster

The practice also provides COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and treatment for patients ages 18 and older.

Why are vaccinations important?

Vaccinations protect communities from infectious diseases and can, in some instances, eradicate these illnesses. A virus needs a host to spread to another person. If most of the people in your community are vaccinated, the virus can’t find a host. This widespread protection can lead to herd immunity, meaning the majority of the population is immune to a specific virus.

What are the side effects of vaccinations?

Vaccines rarely cause serious side effects. The benefits they offer far outweigh their potential risk. Common side effects of vaccines include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Muscle aches

Your doctor at Douglas Young, M.D., performs a comprehensive medical history review and physical exam before your vaccination visit to minimize your risk of side effects.

Contact Douglas Young, M.D., by phone or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about vaccinations.