white-wilson

Tag: immunizations

  • Adult Vaccines – What you need to know

    Adult vaccinations play an important role in preventative health, yet many people believe they are only for children.

    As flu season approaches, we recommend getting your influenza vaccine. It is a basic vaccination, relatively inexpensive, and quite efficient at avoiding influenza-like symptoms.

    The second vaccine that most adults should have is the Tdap or tetanus shot, which requires a booster every ten years. The abbreviation Tdap stands for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis. A single vaccine can protect you against all three bacteria.

    MMR and the MMR vaccine are next on the list. If you were born before 1957, you should have received a booster. Before receiving any vaccines, talk with your primary care physician about these and other comparable vaccines.

    We also strongly advise young adults to get the new human papillomavirus vaccine. This vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer in women. Unfortunately, males can carry the virus while completely asymptomatic and unaware of their infection.

    If you were born after 1980, the varicella vaccine is beneficial. This vaccine will protect you against chickenpox if you have never had it before. However, if you have had the horrible chickenpox and are over the age of 50, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting the shingles vaccine. Shin Griggs, a two-phase shingles vaccine, is the most effective.

    We strongly recommend a pneumonia vaccine for individuals aged 65 and up, as it can prevent the onset of pneumonia and its associated comorbid illnesses. For people under 65 who smoke, have diabetes, or are immunocompromised, the pneumonia vaccine may be appropriate.

    Vaccination teaches your immune system to produce antibodies that protect you from developing diseases. Compared to the alternative of catching and treating infections, vaccination provides a more beneficial learning experience for your immune system. In many cases, your immune system will be able to offer you long-term immunity once it has fully absorbed how to fight off a disease.

    The rare but real possibility of death from vaccine-preventable diseases is why vaccinations is so important. Additionally, it prevents the infections from spreading to family members, friends, and the wider community.

    The content of this article has been adapted and updated from our video library. If you wish to watch the video, click here.

  • The Importance of Back-to-School Physicals

    School is out for summer! Although it may seem like the break has just begun, summer goes by in the blink of an eye and it is not too early to start planning for the school year ahead. From gathering supplies to meeting your child’s new teacher, there are many things for you to do before the year starts. One of the most importantis to schedule your child’s back-to-school physical and wellness visit.

    “Back-to-school physicals are an important part of your child’s health care,” White-Wilson pediatrician Dr. Irina Smith says.  “Getting a physical annually will help ensure your child stays healthy and starts off the school year off right.”

    Dr. Smith recommends that all school-age children visit their pediatrician for their back-to-school physical every year.

    “Pediatricians use these visits to measure your child’s growth and development,” she explains. “An annual physical is a time dedicated to tracking your child’s development and discussing any concerns. It is a time for pediatricians to work with parents to plan for the year ahead and discuss strategies for things like asthma control, ADHD management, vaccinations and sports readiness.”

    Other than a general health check-up, the back-to-school physicals also consist of a review of your child’s immunization records. In Florida, like many states, students are required to have specific vaccines before they begin kindergarten and others as they age. Failure to complete these immunizations may result in your child being unable to enroll. At your back-to-school appointment, your pediatrician can discuss vaccination requirements and answer any questions about them.

    “If your child does need a vaccination,” Dr. Smith says, “we will be able to administer it during the same visit and provide you with an updated record for your child’s school.”

    In short, back-to-school visits are essential because they prepare you and your child for the next year and help them put their best foot forward. It is a time to partner with your child’s pediatrician, to celebrate milestones and to create a plan that is best for your family.

    “Being active and attentive in school is an extremely important part of your child’s development,” Dr. Smith concludes. “Just like you, we want to see them succeed and it all starts with their health.”

    As the school year approaches, appointments do fill quickly. Beat the rush by scheduling your appointment now. Dedicated appointment spots are available each day in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre and Niceville. Call 850.863.8100 today to schedule.