Understanding the difference between vaccines, vaccinations, and immunizations can be tricky. Use the definitions below to gain a better understanding:
- A vaccine is a product that produces immunity from a disease and can be administered through needle injections, by mouth, or by aerosol.
- A vaccination is the injection of a killed or weakened organism that produces immunity in the body against that organism.
- An immunization is the process by which a person or animal becomes protected from a disease. Vaccines cause immunization, and there are also some diseases that cause immunization after an individual recovers from the disease.
Vaccines are needed throughout the entire lifespan. Infants, children, teen, and adults require different vaccines at different ages. Vaccines are the single most powerful, cost-effective public health intervention ever developed. By getting up-to-date, you will protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Why Vaccinate?
Thanks to vaccines we have eradicated many diseases like small pox for example; our children no longer have to get smallpox shots because the disease no longer exists. Vaccinations are one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases.
Don’t forget about the flu vaccine
In the United States fall and winter is when the flu is most common and is the time to get a flu shot. Everyone 6 months of age and older needs flu vaccine every year. By getting vaccinated against flu, you help prevent sick days for yourself and family, and protect vulnerable people who would be hospitalized if they got the flu.
Locate a Flu Clinic Near You
Covering the Cost of Vaccination
DHD#10 can bill most insurances to cover the cost of vaccination. Don’t let the cost of vaccines prevent you from receiving vaccination, DHD#10 uses a sliding-fee scale for the cost of vaccine administration. Administration fees may be waived by the nurse in cases of financial hardship. DHD#10 can provide vaccines to children who are less than 19 years of age and are one of the following: Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, and or American Indian or Alaskan Native.
Trustworthy Resources
Sometimes the messages in the media can be confusing. Remember, when gathering information on vaccination to check the trustworthiness of the website. DHD#10 follows vaccine recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See links before for additional information on vaccines:
CDC Flu Recommendations
Adult Immunization Schedule
Children and Teens
How Vaccines Work
Vaccine Records & Requirements
Pregnant or Planning a Pregnancy