Preventive Care & Vaccinations: A Complete Immunization Guide
Nobody enjoys getting shots, but vaccines keep you healthy and protect those around you. Maybe you need a flu shot before winter hits, TB testing for a new job, or you’re just wondering if your vaccinations are current. Whatever brought you here, we’ll help you understand which vaccines you need and how to get them quickly at AFC.
Recommended Vaccinations by Age and Activity
Different stages of life and activities require different vaccines. Here’s what you should know about staying protected.
Kids get most vaccines from their pediatrician, but urgent care helps when you need immunizations fast. School and sports often require proof of current vaccinations, and we can provide catch-up shots if your child has missed any.
The Tdap vaccine is important for preteens around age 11-12. It protects against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Teens heading to college may need meningitis vaccines, and many schools won’t allow registration without them.
Adults need fewer vaccines than children, but the ones they need are important. Everyone should get a tetanus booster every 10 years, or sooner if they step on a rusty nail or get a dirty cut. If they will be around a new baby, make sure their Tdap is current, since whooping cough can be dangerous for infants.
The flu vaccine tops the list for annual protection. Each year brings new flu strains, so last year’s shot won’t protect you this season. Getting your flu shot by October is ideal, but it’s never too late during flu season.
Many jobs require specific vaccinations or testing. Healthcare workers, teachers, and childcare providers often need annual TB screening. This involves a simple skin test (PPD placement), which involves injecting a small amount of testing solution under your skin. You’ll return 48-72 hours later for the PPD read to check results.
Some employers require proof of immunity to diseases like hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella. We can run blood tests to check your immunity levels or provide necessary vaccines. First responders and those working with animals may need additional specialized vaccines.
International travel may require vaccines that are not routine in the United States. Requirements vary by destination, activities planned, and length of stay. While AFC provides many common travel vaccines, some specialized immunizations may require a travel medicine clinic. Start planning at least 4-6 weeks before departure, as some vaccines need multiple doses.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Annual Vaccines (Every Year)
Vaccine | Who Needs It | Best Timing |
Flu Shot | Everyone 6 months and older | October (before flu season) |
TB Screening | Healthcare workers, teachers, and childcare providers | Per employer requirements |
Regular Boosters
Vaccine | Who Needs It | Frequency |
Tdap/Td | All adults | Every 10 years |
Tdap | Pregnant women | Each pregnancy (27-36 weeks) |
Tdap | Adults around infants | Once, if not previously received |
Work & School Requirements
| Vaccine/Test | Common Requirements | Timing |
| TB (PPD) Test | New healthcare jobs, schools, and daycares | Before employment/enrollment |
| Hepatitis B | Healthcare, first responders | 3 doses over 6 months |
| MMR | College students, healthcare | 2 doses total (if no proof of immunity) |
| Varicella | Healthcare, schools | 2 doses (if no history of chickenpox) |
Age-Specific Vaccines
Age Group | Recommended Vaccines |
11-12 years | Tdap, Meningococcal, HPV series |
16 years | Meningococcal booster |
50+ years | Shingles vaccine |
65+ years | Pneumonia vaccine, high-dose flu |
Travel Vaccines
Destination Type | May Need | Plan Ahead |
Most International | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid | 4-6 weeks |
Specific Regions | Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis | 2-3 months |
Vaccination Schedules and Planning
Timing matters with vaccines. Some need multiple doses, others require specific intervals, and planning prevents last-minute scrambles.
Most vaccines don’t provide instant protection. Your body needs time to build immunity, usually about two weeks. This is why getting your flu vaccine early in the fall makes sense and why travel vaccines need planning.
Some vaccines require multiple doses spread over months. Hepatitis B needs three doses over six months, and HPV vaccines require 2-3 doses, depending on age. Missing doses means starting over isn’t necessary—you can usually pick up where you left off, though protection isn’t complete until the series finishes.
Lost shot records cause headaches when schools or employers need proof of vaccination. Keep a personal record of every vaccine you receive, including date, type, and location. Take photos of any vaccination cards as backup.
Many states now have immunization registries that track vaccines given within the state. Ask your healthcare provider about accessing your records. Blood tests can show immunity to many diseases for adults who’ve lost childhood records, potentially avoiding unnecessary repeat vaccines.
If you’re dealing with frequent infections like constant colds, recurring sinus infections, or other repeated illnesses, vaccines might help. Beyond the flu shot, ensuring all your current immunizations strengthens your immune defenses. Pneumonia vaccines help those prone to respiratory infections. Your healthcare provider can recommend additional preventive measures based on your pattern of infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vaccines undergo extensive testing before approval and continuous monitoring afterward. Side effects are typically mild, soreness at the injection site, low fever, or tiredness, and serious reactions are rare. The diseases vaccines prevent are far more dangerous than the vaccines themselves.
Most people can safely receive vaccines, but some situations require caution. People with severe allergies to vaccine components need alternative options. Those with weakened immune systems may need to avoid live vaccines. Pregnant women should avoid certain vaccines, but need others like the flu and Tdap. Always inform your healthcare provider about allergies, medications, and health conditions.
Healthy people benefit from vaccines. Good health means your immune system can respond well to vaccines, building strong protection. Plus, you protect vulnerable people around you who can’t be vaccinated, infants, elderly relatives, or those with compromised immune systems.
It’s never too late to catch up. We see adults all the time who missed childhood vaccines or let boosters lapse. We can create a catch-up schedule that safely gets you fully protected without overwhelming your system with too many vaccines at once.
Flu viruses constantly change, and each year’s vaccine targets the strains most likely to spread that season. Your immunity also decreases over time. Even if last year’s flu shot protected you well, this year’s flu could be completely different.
How to Get Vaccinations at AFC
Getting vaccinated at American Family Care is straightforward and convenient. Here’s what makes us different from traditional healthcare settings.
Walk-In Convenience
No appointment needed, which means you can get vaccinated on your schedule. Have you stopped by after work, on lunch break, or on weekend errands? We’re ready when you are. Most vaccines take just minutes to administer, quickly getting you in and out.
What We Offer
American Family Care stocks routine vaccines, including annual flu shots, Tdap boosters, and hepatitis vaccines. We provide TB skin tests with convenient return times for reading. Our trained staff ensures proper vaccine storage and handling for maximum effectiveness.
We handle the paperwork, too. Need proof of vaccination for school or work? We provide official documentation. Require specific forms completed? Bring them in, and we’ll handle them. Insurance typically covers preventive vaccines, and we’ll verify your coverage.
The Vaccination Process
When you arrive, we’ll review your vaccine history and current needs. Our medical team screens for any reason you shouldn’t receive vaccines today. The injection takes seconds, and we’ll monitor you briefly afterward – standard protocol for all vaccines.
We’ll place the PPD test for TB testing and schedule your return reading for 48-72 hours later. Miss your reading window? You’ll need to restart, so we’ll work with your schedule to make sure you can return on time.
Making It Easy
We maintain your vaccination records for easy access when you need them. Many locations offer extended hours, perfect for those who can’t visit during traditional business hours. Some AFC locations provide workplace vaccination clinics, bringing flu shots and other vaccines directly to your office.
Your Health Is Worth Protecting
Vaccines are a simple, safe way to protect yourself and your community from preventable diseases. At American Family Care, we remove the barriers that keep people from getting vaccinated – no appointments, no long waits, no hassle.
Whether you need your annual flu vaccine, TB screening for work, or want to ensure your family’s immunizations are current, we’re here to help. Our experienced team provides the vaccines you need with the convenience you deserve.
Don’t wait for illness to strike. Visit American Family Care for your vaccination needs. We’re open seven days a week with extended hours because prevention shouldn’t wait for a convenient appointment. Walk in today and walk out protected.
