No one enjoys getting an injection; however, they provide protection against disease that is well worth the moment of discomfort. Comprehensive injections or immunizations allow your body to build up antibodies to fight off disease that would otherwise leave you or your child severely incapacitated. In some cases, the disease could be fatal.

The list of comprehensive injections includes immunization against:

• Influenza
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
• Shingles (for adults over 50)
• Pneumococcal pneumonia for adults over 65
• Hepatitis B for diabetics and at-risk adults

Some adults may also need a vitamin B-12 injection. It does not directly prevent any disease, but it is necessary for healthy cells, blood and nerves. It also helps the body manufacture energy from fat and carbohydrates and is essential for making new protein.

Multiple Injections for Children

Babies and young children may receive more than one injection during a visit to the doctor. At this early stage of life, children easily get sick from diseases. Newborns have antibodies from their mothers, protecting them against some illnesses, but they are only temporary and are gone within a few months.

Some vaccines are combined, such as DTap, which is diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis. Another is trivalent IPV. This combines three strains of inactivated polio vaccine into one injection. Another combined injection is MMR, measles-mumps-rubella.

During one visit, your child may receive two injections, usually in two separate limbs. This gives your child protection against multiple diseases at once, and it means fewer visits to the doctor’s office. It is also less traumatic for your child than getting several injections over multiple trips to the doctor.

Safe and Effective

For children and adults, getting multiple vaccines at once is both safe and effective. Research has been conducted to study the effect of administering multiple vaccines at once in various combinations. Results show that no chronic health problems are caused by the injections and they are as effective in combination as they are separately.

Comprehensive injections provide lasting health benefits. If you or your children are not current with your immunizations, contact the office of Dr. Brent J. Michael and schedule an appointment.