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Vaccinations Specialist

The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research Our Services Vaccinations

The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research

Hematologists & Infusion Therapy Clinics located in Hollywood, FL & Jacksonville, FL

Vaccinations are safe, effective preventive treatments against disease. At The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research in Homestead, Orlando, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Tallahassee, and Hollywood, Florida, Gershwin Blyden, MD, PhD, FCP, FACP, and the team of hematologists provide a full selection of vaccinations. Patients of all ages can visit the center to stay up-to-date on their vaccines. To learn more, call The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research or book an appointment online now.

Vaccinations Q & A

What are vaccinations?

Vaccines help protect you and your community against potentially serious diseases and viruses. These preventive treatments trigger your own body’s defense system to ward off harmful germs. By protecting yourself against disease, you minimize your risk of spreading it both locally and globally.

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccines contain small amounts of the targeted virus. When injected into your body, vaccines activate your body’s immune system. This initial exposure allows your immune system to recognize the virus as a foregin invader when you come in contact with it again. 

As a result, it’s less likely to infect you in the future, or if it does, your symptoms resulting from it are far less likely to be serious.

Are vaccinations safe?

Vaccines are safe, effective tools against potentially serious, even life-threatening, diseases. All FDA-approved vaccines undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re safe for public use. While some vaccines may cause mild side effects, these symptoms are temporary. 

Most vaccine side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. However, depending on the type of vaccine, flu-like symptoms are also common. Side effects typically subside within a few hours to a few days.

How early should children get vaccinations?

Children should begin their vaccination schedule during infancy. Most babies receive their first hepatitis B vaccine within hours of birth. The next round occurs within 1-2 months of birth. 

Over the course of your child’s infancy and childhood, they receive several vaccines. As you age, you need fewer booster shots. 

However, adults do need Tdap booster shots once every 10 years. You can also benefit from the annual flu shot.

What are the different types of vaccinations?

Throughout your life, you need many different vaccines, such as:

  • Polio 
  • Rotavirus (RV)
  • Hepatitis B 
  • Pneumococcal (PCV)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP)
  • Polio 
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Pneumococcal (PCV)
  • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
  • Chickenpox (varicella)

Some vaccines require only one shot, while others need 2-4 doses, spread out over time, to be effective against disease. It’s important to stay up-to-date on your vaccine schedule to protect yourself and others against harmful pathogens.

To learn more about vaccinations, call The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research, or schedule an appointment online today.

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