Questions answered on vaccinations

The following questions were answered by the staff at Mission Family Practice, located at 2630 E. Citizens Dr. in Fayetteville.

Why is it important for people to receive vaccinations during this time of year?

Students of all ages are returning to school, which increases their chances of exposure to many illnesses. For instance, we currently have an outbreak of Mumps in the Springdale School District, where the local news has recently announced 120 confirmed cases. It was not long ago that there were only three confirmed cases. With large numbers of people confined to the same area, it is easier for diseases to spread amongst those people.

We are also coming up on the flu season this time of year. It can range from October to May, but typically peaks around January and February. You can never be sure about when you will come in contact with the disease, and since it takes around two weeks for your body to build up effective antibodies, it is recommended to get the vaccine before the season starts. What are some misconceptions that people have about getting regular flu shots, and why do you think some are against vaccinations?

One common misconception is that the flu vaccine can cause the flu. This is not true. According to the Center for Disease Control, typical flu vaccines contain an “inactivated” virus and are not infectious. Another misconception is that there is an association between vaccines and autism. This theory has not been proven. Would you recommend going to a physician and receiving the flu shot instead of a drug store or retailer? The quality of medicine should not differ from place to place, but some insurances may cover more medicines at a pharmacy and some may cover more at a physician’s clinic. This is all dependent upon the insurance company and plan. However, your physician should have a record of your vaccination history, what is recommended to you personally, and what your preferences are. Plus, it is standard for a licensed nurse to be the one administering the vaccine. What are some vaccinations that are not as common as the flu shot, but that can help people remain healthy during this time of year?

A: The pneumonia vaccine is another important vaccine that may not be as well-known as the flu shot. It is a routine vaccine for children, but is also recommended for people that are more than 60 years old or those with lung disease. TDAP is one as well. This is a tetanus update that contains pertussis, which is a respiratory illness that has shown to be on the rise.

At Mission Family Practice, we provide care to a wide range of people. From newborns to grandparents, we are well-equipped and knowledgeable about many different vaccines and recommendations for all age groups.

Contact Mission Family at (479) 571-6000 or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/missionfp.