Immunization Resources

What do immunizations do?

Since the start of widespread vaccinations in the United States, the number of cases of formerly common childhood illnesses like measles and diphtheria have declined dramatically. Immunizations have protected millions of kids from potentially deadly diseases and saved thousands of lives.

In fact, certain diseases crop up so rarely now that parents sometimes ask if vaccines are even necessary anymore. This is just one common misconception about immunizations. The truth is, most diseases that can be prevented by vaccines still exist in the world, even in the United States, although they occur rarely.

Vaccines work by preparing a child's body to fight illness. Each immunization contains either a dead or a weakened germ (or parts of it) that causes a particular disease.

The body practices fighting the disease by making antibodies that recognize specific parts of that germ. This permanent or longstanding response means that if someone is ever exposed to the actual disease, the antibodies are already in place and the body knows how to combat it and the person doesn't get sick. This is called immunity.

The reality is that vaccinations play a crucial role in keeping kids healthy. Unfortunately, misinformation about vaccines could make some parents decide not to immunize their children, putting them and others at a greater risk for illness.

Immunization Resources:

1. Minute Clinic (Located inside CVS pharmacy): they provide a number of vaccines

2. Care Now: Call the individual locations. They usually carry numerous vaccines but are sometimes out of stock.

3. Collin County Health Dept: 972-548-5532

4. Denton County Health Dept: 972-434-4700

5. Concentra- 972-712-5454