Family Immunizations in Denton, TX

Many people think that vaccines and immunizations are for young children only. However, there are vaccines needed for older teens and adults as well. At Health Services of North Texas (HSNT), we offer family immunizations for preteens, pregnant women, young adults, and older adults. These immunizations go beyond you getting the annual flu (influenza) shot. At every life stage, you or your family member may need an immunization with a specific vaccine for protection that is based on job-related risk factors, enrollment requirements for educational institutions, specific health conditions, and/or a high-risk lifestyle.

• Preteens to young adults (11 – 26) for HPV prevention
• Young adults for immunizations based on state requirements to be enrolled at some universities or colleges, such as meningitis
• Pregnant women for immunizations needed during prenatal care
• Healthcare workers for updates and boosters for working conditions that put them at high risk for exposure
• Older adults (shingles, pneumonia, and more)

We also offer immunizations for patients who have a weakened immune system from a chronic illness/medical condition or an infectious disease.  By having your vaccines, even as an adult, you are helping yourself, your family, and your community by preventing disease and sickness. Getting your immunizations in a timely manner and the right dosage can also keep your body strong now and in the long-term as you age. By keeping up with your immunizations, you are doing your part to limit exposure to the young babies and children in your life that have not built up the immunities. Your willingness to receive your immunizations can protect many people from getting sick. The disease-fighting antibodies that you build up over time from your vaccinations are some of the best protection you can provide to your children, older loved ones, and people with compromised immune systems.

If you would like to learn more about how to receive immunizations at HSNT, please call our office for an appointment. We have six locations in the Denton, Wylie, and Plano, TX area.

Vaccines and immunizations are a staple of lifelong health and wellness. These shots and inoculations prevent households and communities from preventable or communicable diseases and ailments – whether you’re currently in school or graduated 60 years ago. Benefits of immunizations at Health Services of North Texas include:

• Guarding yourself against preventable issues
• Preventing vulnerable or compromised people from picking up contagious disease
• Staying on track with enrollment requirements at schools
• Vaccines are safe and effective
• Increases overall health, wellness, and strength
• Complying with requirements for some international travel
• Saving you and your family from expensive hospital bills or stays

If you are unsure what vaccines you have had in the past for immunization, check in with your parents or caregivers who might still have your immunization tracking card. We also recommend that you retrace your medical records from doctors in the past, health departments of cities you have lived in the past, or schools that you have attended that might still have the records. Our providers at HSNT will do our best to get you back on track for the right vaccines, dosages, and more if you need this service. Our team will also update your medical chart with all vaccines given in the past to complete a full immunization schedule for your medical records. 

HSNT offers preteen patients the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (all types) starting at the age of nine to twelve years of age. This is to help prevent the contraction of HPV in the future as it can develop into cervical cancer, anal cancer, and genital warts. If your child did not receive the HPV vaccine before the age of 13, he or she may still qualify. The CDC still recommends that you should get the HPV vaccine until the age of 26. Once you are in the age range of 27 – 45, the vaccine is less beneficial because you have probably already had an exposure to the virus.

Living in a group setting, such as a residence hall at a college, increases your risk factors for meningococcal disease or meningitis. The majority of people on college campuses are older teens and young adults, and we offer this age group vaccinations for meningitis based on their risk exposure from living within a college campus/residential setting.

Knowing what vaccinations you need before a pregnancy can be very helpful. We can consult with you about vaccinations you need as a part of your prenatal care. We can also give you the appropriate vaccines you need if you are already pregnant. You can protect yourself and your unborn baby from may diseases that can cause miscarriage or birth defects. It is important to have the immunizations for rubella with the MMR vaccine (also known as the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine). You may need a blood test to confirm your immunity.

Vaccines for whooping cough and influenza are also critical for yourself and your baby. Our providers may recommend testing for hepatitis B and A as a precaution to your baby during childbirth. You can expose your baby to these infections in delivery.

Even adults need to make sure they are up to date on their current immunizations. As people age, there are other viruses and diseases you may need to have a vaccine for as well. We offer older patients the shingles vaccine to protect against contracting shingles. The Zoster virus that causes shingles can make other medical conditions you already have much worse. We offer annual influenza (flu) vaccines to lower the rate of flu-related hospitalizations that can occur in people over 65. In addition, we can provide Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). 

If you are unsure if you have up-to-date vaccinations, we can have a discussion about the best way to update your immunization history and records.

The vast majority of immunizations given at our North Texas-area facilities are simple shots requiring no downtime. However, following your or your child’s immunization, you or them may be held for a brief time to observe if any side effects or allergic reactions occur. These are rare but can happen. If you or someone you love does experience substantial side effects shortly after a shot, don’t worry as these reactions are very treatable. If your shot requires a waiting period, you are free to return home or carry out your normal daily activities after this time has concluded. Depending on the immunization, you may experience other side effects like soreness, a brief fever, or lethargy. If these effects last longer than a day or two, please let the Health Services of North Texas team know.

What are the most common reasons to get an immunization?

• Prevent disease and illness (especially for children)
• Educational requirements
• Traveling
• Work-related risks
• Certain health conditions
• A high-risk lifestyle

Are HPV vaccinations safe?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), HPV vaccinations are FDA-approved safe and effective, with more than 15 years of monitoring data. Anyone who may be allergic to the ingredients in the HPV vaccination (Gardasil® 9) is not recommended to take it.

Are vaccinations safe for pregnant women?

Generally speaking, vaccines are considered safe for the majority of people who are pregnant. According to the CDC, it is especially important for those who are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or nursing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination since they are at a higher risk of getting very sick and experiencing pregnancy complications.

What should I bring to an immunization appointment?

Bringing the following items to an immunization appointment is recommended:

• Immunization records: To verify previous vaccinations and determine which vaccines are needed.
• Insurance information: To facilitate billing and coverage verification.
• Identification: Such as a driver's license or other valid ID.
• List of current medications: To inform our team at Health Services of North Texas of any medications being taken.

Can individuals with chronic health conditions receive vaccines?

Yes, individuals with chronic health conditions can and should receive vaccines, as they may be at higher risk for complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, certain conditions may require specific considerations. Consulting with our staff ensures that vaccinations are administered safely and effectively, taking into account any underlying health issues.

Why is it important to stay up-to-date with family immunizations?

Staying up-to-date with immunizations is essential for protecting each family member from preventable diseases. Immunity can fade over time, and certain vaccines require boosters to maintain effectiveness. Regular check-ins ensure that everyone remains protected and reduces the likelihood of disease transmission within the community.

Stay up to date with family immunizations at HSNT in Denton, Wylie, and Plano, TX. Call and schedule an appointment or send us a request online to have a meeting with one of our trusted physicians and practitioners for your vaccines and immunizations. We look forward to seeing you at your appointment at any of our HSNT locations, request your appointment today.

Travel immunizations are available through the Denton County Health Department.