Urgent Care for Vaccination Services in Chicopee, MA

Vaccines come in several types, each designed to trigger specific immune responses to protect against particular diseases. Live-attenuated vaccines use a weakened form of the germ that causes the disease, creating a strong and long-lasting immune response. Examples include the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. Inactivated vaccines, on the other hand, use a killed version of the germ, requiring boosters to maintain immunity, like polio vaccines. Subunit, recombinant, and conjugate vaccines use specific pieces of the germ – such as its protein, sugar, or casing – to stimulate an immune response. Examples include the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines. Lastly, we have mRNA vaccines, a new type of vaccine used in the COVID-19 vaccine, which teaches our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies.

In public health, the term “most important vaccines” often refers to those that have a large-scale impact on preventing infectious diseases. These include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), polio (IPV), hepatitis B, and influenza. The HPV vaccine is also crucial as it protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus infection. Pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines are vital in safeguarding against bacterial infections that lead to diseases like pneumonia and meningitis. Finally, the COVID-19 vaccine has become exceptionally important in the current context, due to the global pandemic. These vaccines have been pivotal in preventing disease spread, reducing the severity of illness, and saving lives.

The vaccines you need are determined by several factors, including your age, health conditions, travel habits, and your vaccination history. For adults, annual flu shots are recommended, along with Tdap vaccine if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years thereafter. Vaccinations such as pneumococcal, shingles, and hepatitis A and B are also recommended for certain age groups or individuals with specific health conditions. For travelers, vaccines for diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, or meningitis may be needed. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you are up-to-date with recommended vaccines.

Vaccinations and immunizations are two terms often used interchangeably but each carries a distinct meaning. Vaccination refers to the act of introducing a vaccine into the body to stimulate the immune system’s defensive response. On the other hand, immunization is the process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination. This term is often used in a broader sense, encompassing the entire process, from vaccine development to injection and the body’s subsequent creation of antibodies. Therefore, while a vaccination is a single act, immunization is an ongoing process that results in a person gaining and maintaining immunity against a particular illness.

Limited supplies of vaccines are stored onsite, please contact the medical practice by phone prior to making an appointment to confirm availability.

Priority Urgent Care offers the following vaccinations and immunizations:

• FLUAD (Over 65)
• FLUCELVAX (Under 65)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• PPD
• Shingles
• TDAP
• Tetanus (TD)

If you need a vaccination that is not listed here, please call us and we will be happy to assist you!

At Priority Urgent Care and Walk-In Medical Practice, we strongly believe in the power of vaccination to create healthier communities. We encourage everyone to stay informed, get vaccinated, and protect each other from preventable diseases. If you have any questions regarding vaccines or if you wish to get vaccinated, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support and guide you through your health journey. Feel free to call us or book an appointment online for a comprehensive health consultation. Remember, each vaccination is a step forward in the fight against diseases. Together, let’s build a healthier community. Stay healthy, get vaccinated! For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at located at 1505 Memorial Drive Chicopee, MA 01020. We serve patients from Chicopee MA, Springfield MA, Ludlow MA, Westfield MA, Holyoke MA, Southwick MA, Wilbraham MA, and BEYOND!