Article verified for accuracy by Dr. Alinea Stevens, MD
Physician/Medical Director
October 31, 2024
Article verified for accuracy by Julie Davis, RN
Maternal Child Health Program Director
October 31, 2024
Are vaccines safe? This is a popular question at our health clinics especially as we step into the colder months. It is also the time of year when we encourage nearly everyone get an updated Flu vaccine, updated COVID-19 vaccination, and RSV vaccines for high-risk individuals. The point is to reduce the number of illnesses and deaths caused by these viruses. But what are these vaccinations and why are they recommended? Are they right for me and my family? Let’s dig in.
What is a vaccine?
Vaccines help your body learn to fight a germ without ever being infected. It is like getting the playbook before a game or the answers before a test.
Your body has a germ memory called an immune system. Vaccines show the immune system a smaller and safe part of a germ that cannot get you sick. It has just enough information about a germ to get your body to start building a defense. Vaccines get your body to practice fighting off a safe version of a germ. This way your body can identify the germ and better fight it if you are exposed to the real germ later.
Vaccinations can come in different forms. They can come as shots, nasal sprays, pills, and sometimes liquids. Scientists test vaccines and pick the form(s) that show to be safe and to offer the best protection for each germ. If a vaccine comes in more than one form, your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which is best for you.
Why should I get vaccines if I can just get sick anyway?
Vaccines make you much less likely to get sick with the virus they protect you from. And if you do get infected, they can make your sickness less harsh and shorter. You are half as likely to get seriously sick from flu, for example, if you get a seasonal flu vaccine.
Vaccines also help everyone around you by making you not a germ spreader. A germ cannot spread if most people have been vaccinated. It gives the germ nowhere it can go. Today, we do not often see new outbreaks of sicknesses like Polio and Measles locally. Most people in our region, state and country are vaccinated, and we have stopped the germ’s ability to spread widely in this part of the world with vaccinations.
Are the Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines safe?
Every vaccination available in the United States goes through a thorough process before making it to your provider’s office. Strict testing rules make sure vaccines are safe and effective. Even when a vaccine is made quickly in response to an emergency, there are many steps it must go through before being used. Today, all the available Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines have been fully tested and found to be both safe and effective.
While you might experience some mild side effects after receiving a vaccine (while your body is learning to fight the germ), they should not last more than two days, and serious side effects are rare. Vaccines do not cause autism. Learn more about autism and vaccines HERE. Healthcare professionals like the medical providers at Chapa-De stay current on the most up-to-date information about vaccines. They are a great resource to talk with as you gather information to help you make the best decisions about your health.
What vaccinations are available to help protect me and my family this fall?
There are three annual vaccinations that are being recommended this fall. These include the updated 2024-25 Flu vaccine, the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and RSV vaccines for certain high–risk groups. Both of our Chapa-De health centers have these vaccinations available for our patients. Our providers are available to answer any questions or concerns you have about vaccinations. They have years of medical knowledge and experience and can help you decide what is best for you and your family.
Where can I do more research on these vaccines?
Your medical provider is always a good person to ask if you want to learn more about vaccines. If you would like to do some more reading on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, the Immunization Branch of the California Department of Public Health (DCPH) has up-to-date information on the recommended vaccinations by age. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has useful information from Vaccine Basics to your health rights. The American Academy of Pediatrics has helpful information on vaccines recommended in childhood and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has some useful information and recommendations on vaccinations for your family.
The most important thing to remember during your research is to look for information from accredited and official sources. Also, make sure to look for the latest information as it can change with each season.
Schedule time with your provider
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
