How Do Vaccinations Differ From Immunizations?

Vaccinations and immunizations are critical parts of preventive medicine no one should ignore. These treatments can help protect people from various common conditions and illnesses. Our caring team of health care providers at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS is proud to offer these treatment solutions for our patients.

You may be curious about these two terms, as they both sound similar. Vaccinations and immunizations are terms that are often interchanged with one another. But they entail different concepts for patients to explore.

What is a vaccination?

A vaccination is a procedure where a vaccine is introduced into the patient’s body. The vaccine triggers the body’s immune system to respond to various diseases.

The vaccine will help protect the patient from a specific illness. The vaccine typically includes some form of the condition, allowing the immune system to recognize the disease and prepare a suitable immune response to the condition. The effort helps ensure the patient’s protection against various harmful conditions.

What is immunization?

Immunization is linked to vaccination, as immunization is a process where a patient becomes immune to a condition through vaccination. Immunity refers to protection against a disease like influenza. A patient who is immune to the disease could be exposed to it and not become infected.

Immunization doesn’t always mean a person will feel nothing after exposure to an illness. Sometimes, a person may still feel the effects of a disease, but those effects will be minimal when compared with what one might experience when unvaccinated.

Timing is essential

Our experts at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS encourage you to consider your current vaccination schedule and plan a suitable time to receive your vaccines. It can take some time before you reach full immunization following a vaccination.

The immunity from a vaccine can take a bit of time to develop. The body requires time for its immune system to become used to what the vaccine introduces into the body. It could take a few weeks for some vaccines to become functional enough to provide immunity, so proper scheduling of vaccinations is critical. For example, a person should receive a flu vaccination early in the fall before the flu season starts. That person will become immunized against the flu as the peak flu season arrives a few weeks later.

Meanwhile, the duration of immunity can wear off after a while. The duration is the timeframe for how long your immunity will last following vaccination. You may require a booster or an additional vaccine after the immunity wears. The timing will vary by the vaccine, so consult us for help to see what you’ll require.

Contact us for help with your vaccines today

The appropriate preventive care is necessary for ensuring your safety. Vaccines are essential for producing immunity against various illnesses. A vaccination can lead to immunization, meaning you will start to be protected from serious illness or harm. But the duration of immunity will vary by the vaccine.

You can contact us at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS if you need help with your vaccinations. Schedule an appointment today and learn more about our helpful vaccination services.