Where to get immunized?

Vaccination is an artificial creation of immune protection against certain diseases. This is one of the best methods to protect yourself, your children and your family members from various infections. However, we often face the question: where to get vaccinated?

Where and to whom should you contact regarding vaccination against a particular disease? After all, the need for vaccination is not always planned: we often turn to vaccination before traveling to other countries, during epidemics and mass diseases. In this article, we will talk about what vaccinations are and where they can be done.

Where can I get vaccinated?

The vaccination can be done either in a medical institution or at home. To do this, you should contact a state clinic or a private clinic, where you will be provided with more complete and detailed information about the vaccination you are interested in, as well as its cost.

Children's routine vaccinations are first carried out in the maternity hospital (from the 4th to the 7th day of the child's life), and then in a children's clinic or a private children's clinic. In both cases, parents have every right to call a nurse to carry out the vaccination at home.

Often, before vaccination, the doctor may prescribe a blood test, consultations with other medical specialists (for example, a neurologist), and in some cases, even a comprehensive examination may be required. All this is done in order to avoid possible negative consequences after vaccination, as well as to find out the body's level of readiness to resist infection.

The plan for preventive vaccination of children can be found out from the visiting nurse, as well as from any pediatrician working in a public or private medical institution.

Where can I get a chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine can be administered to children as young as one year of age, including adults (without age restrictions). Where can I get a chickenpox vaccine? At the clinic at my place of residence or work, if the institution has a chickenpox vaccine available. You can also contact special vaccination centers or private clinics.

You may be offered two types of vaccines to choose from: OkaVax or Varilrix, which are produced in Japan (also in France) and Belgium, respectively. Both serums are equally effective. The only difference is in the dosage and vaccination technique.

It is better not to get vaccinated against chickenpox:

• during pregnancy;
• during acute infectious or inflammatory diseases (or during exacerbation of chronic diseases);
• with leukopenia;
• in case of hypersensitivity of the body to vaccination.

The vaccination is carried out only a month after recovery from infections and inflammations in the body.

For children under 13, one dose of chickenpox serum is enough. Adults and children over 13 are usually given two doses of the drug. Only in this case will sufficient and strong immunity be formed, which, according to statistics, can last for about 30 years.

After vaccination, the following may be observed:

• high temperature;
• skin rashes (like chickenpox);
• itching of the skin;
• feeling weak and exhausted;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

All of the listed symptoms go away on their own, but it is better to show children to a doctor at this time to avoid negative consequences.

Where to get the OkaVax vaccine?

The OkaVax vaccine is very popular in many countries, as it is the first official vaccine against chickenpox. This vaccine is safe and relatively well tolerated by children.

OkaVax serum is used for the prevention of chickenpox from the age of one year. It is also possible to vaccinate patients who have not had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated before, but who have had close contact with those who have had chickenpox.

Typically, one dose of the drug is administered once, as a subcutaneous injection.

In emergency cases, urgent administration of serum is possible within the first three days after contact with the patient.

OkaVax vaccine should not be administered during pregnancy.

The vaccine is used with special caution:

• - for chronic diseases of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and liver;
• - for blood diseases;
• - if you are prone to allergies;
• - if you are prone to convulsions;
• - in case of immunodeficiency.

The OkaVax vaccine should be available in immunology and vaccination centers, as well as in children's clinics and private children's centers.

Where to get vaccinated against hepatitis?

Currently, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B are used. There is no serum for the prevention of hepatitis C, since it is enough to simply avoid contact with an infected person.

The hepatitis vaccine consists of the main immunogenic viral protein HBs Ag. The shelf life of a full course of vaccination is usually from 10 years to lifelong immunity.

In most cases, modern hepatitis vaccines do not have side effects and negative complications. Rarely, high temperature, allergic reactions, pain at the injection site can be observed.

The hepatitis vaccination is included in the list of mandatory vaccinations for children:

• The first vaccination is given within the first 12 hours of the baby’s life;
• the second vaccination - when the baby is one month old;
• the third - at six months.

If for some reason the child has not been given this vaccination, it is carried out starting from the age of 13.

In adulthood, vaccinations are given to people who are at risk for hepatitis. These are:

• health workers;
• future medical workers (students);
• medical laboratory workers;
• relatives of a person with hepatitis;
• patients undergoing hemodialysis;
• drug addicts;
• patients with other viral infections that affect the liver.

Hepatitis vaccination is carried out in outpatient and hospital institutions of private or state subordination.

Where can I get a rabies vaccination?

Rabies vaccination is administered to individuals who have been bitten by suspicious animals, as well as to those who, due to their professional or other activities, frequently come into contact with various wild and domestic animals.

Where to get a rabies vaccination? You can go to special vaccination centers at private medical institutions, or to the nearest clinic at your place of residence. By the way, the rabies vaccination does not include the notorious "40 injections in the stomach". Vaccination is carried out with a concentrate of purified serum KOKAV. This vaccine is administered in the form of five injections (in some cases, three are enough).

The vaccine can be administered with virtually no restrictions, that is, during pregnancy, infectious diseases and oncology.

The only side effects that can be identified are allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes and redness, which are usually eliminated by using antihistamines.

Where can I get vaccinated against encephalitis?

The following serums can be used for vaccination against encephalitis:

• encephalitis vaccine, purified culture, dry inactivated concentrate (Russia);
• EnceVir serum (Russia);
• FSME Immun Inject/Junior serum (Austria);
• Encepur serum (for adults or children, Germany).

Vaccination against encephalitis can be administered from 12 months and throughout life, if necessary. As a rule, vaccination is mandatory for those who live in an area considered a risk zone for tick-borne encephalitis.

The vaccine is administered only to clinically healthy individuals, without signs of inflammatory or infectious diseases.

Where to get vaccinated against encephalitis? Such vaccination is given only in medical institutions that have a license to carry out anti-encephalitis vaccination. Therefore, when contacting a particular medical institution, it is necessary to clarify whether such a license is available. Unlicensed improper storage of the anti-encephalitis vaccine can lead to the uselessness or even danger of vaccination.

If you are going to travel to an area unfavorable for encephalitis, then the vaccination should be done approximately 1-2 months before the trip, since the vaccine is administered in 2-3 stages. After a standard three-stage vaccination, immunity is formed for approximately a 3-year period. Then, if necessary, it is necessary to carry out a repeat vaccination.

Side effects of the encephalitis vaccine include:

• local reaction (hardening, hyperemia, pain at the injection site);
• allergic reaction;
• elevated temperature;
• sleep and appetite disorders;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

Where can I get vaccinated against rubella?

Rubella vaccination can be done with five types of vaccines:

• Indian serum;
• made in Croatia;
• produced in France by "Rudivax"
• combination drugs (measles, rubella and mumps) Priorix and MMRII.

Vaccination is carried out twice in childhood: at one year of age and at seven years of age.

Usually these vaccines do not cause side effects. In rare cases, there is an increase in temperature, enlarged lymph nodes, rashes (1-2 weeks after vaccination).

Girls are recommended to be vaccinated again at the age of 12-13, as immunity against rubella is especially important for them. Rubella infection during pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion.

Rubella vaccination is not performed:

• in immunodeficiency syndromes, in the presence of malignant diseases;
• in case of hypersensitivity of the body to aminoglycosides (such as kanamycin or monomycin).

In cases where the child has been treated with immunoglobulins or blood plasma, the vaccination should be carried out no earlier than 2-3 months later.

The rubella vaccination can be done in almost any outpatient clinic, in a private or public clinic.

Where to get the Priorix vaccination?

The Belgian vaccine Priorix protects against mumps, rubella and measles simultaneously in the future. The drug can be used from the age of one year as a routine vaccination, or as an emergency vaccination - within three days after contact with a sick person.

The Priorix vaccine should not be used in cases of allergy to neomycin and egg white, immune deficiency, pregnancy and high body temperature.

Priorix is effective in 98% of cases of disease probability. At the same time, the degree of development of side effects is not so great: redness in the injection area, as well as pain and swelling occasionally appear. Much less often, you can detect swelling of the salivary glands, as well as symptoms of infectious diseases: runny nose, cough, sputum, etc.

You can get the Priorix vaccination at your nearest medical center, from an immunologist at a clinic, or invite a specialist from a private clinic to your home.

Where to get BCG vaccination?

BCG vaccination is a preventative measure against tuberculosis in children, including tuberculous meningitis, tuberculosis of the bones and tuberculosis of the lungs.

The first vaccination is given in the maternity hospital, on the 4th day of the baby's life. The second vaccination is given at the age of 7 or 14.

After the injection of the serum, a small seal is formed, prone to suppuration. The healing process can last several months. After healing, a small scar remains.

In subsequent years, to characterize the child’s immune defense, tuberculin tests (Mantoux) are performed, which indicate the child’s degree of protection against tuberculosis.

The BCG vaccination can be done at a children's clinic or at a private children's vaccination center. The vaccination is not recommended:

• in acute infections, hemolytic disease, etc.;
• in premature weakened children;
• in immunodeficiency states, oncology;
• during treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants;
• in case of tuberculosis;
• in case of a severe reaction to the first BCG injection.

Where can I get the DPT vaccine?

The DPT vaccine is a combined prevention of diseases such as whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. Abroad, a similar vaccine is called Infanrix.

The vaccination is carried out according to the established schedule and includes 4 injections:

• I – at 2-3 months of age;
• II and III with an interval of 30-50 days;
• IV – 1 year after the III injection.

The DPT vaccine is often difficult for a child's body to accept. As a rule, side effects occur within three days after administration and are the following symptoms:

• high temperature;
• pain, swelling and hyperemia at the injection site;
• loss of appetite, apathy, dyspeptic symptoms;
• pathological crying of the baby (a peculiar squeal that can last for 3 hours or longer);
• convulsions;
• allergy.

The DPT vaccine can be given at a children's clinic or at a private children's clinic if this vaccine is available. The vaccine is not recommended for children with diseases of the nervous system, with inflammatory and infectious diseases in the acute period, in the presence of convulsive syndrome and immunodeficiency states.

Where can I get the Pentaxim vaccine?

The Pentaxim vaccine is the introduction of a combination drug that creates complex immune protection against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenzae type B infections (meningitis, pneumonia, septicemia, etc.). Pentaxim is more easily tolerated by the human body than, for example, DPT, and has significantly fewer side effects.

Among the side effects of the drug, local reactions mainly predominate in the form of swelling, redness and pain in the injection area.

The Pentaxim vaccine is not administered:

• if there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction;
• at elevated temperatures, acute stages of inflammatory and infectious diseases.

The vaccination is given only to healthy children, which must be confirmed by blood and urine tests immediately before the date of administration of the vaccine. There must also be a positive assessment of the child's nervous system by a neurologist.

You can get the Pentaxim vaccine at any immunology center or at a clinic in the immunoprophylaxis office, if this vaccine is available (this point should be clarified in advance).

Where to get the Infanrix vaccine?

The Infanrix vaccine is an imported analogue of the well-known DPT vaccine. That is, it is a vaccine to prevent the development of whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria.

Infanrix is usually used in primary childhood immunization: the vaccination schedule includes 4 injections of the drug (at 3 months, 4.5 months, six months, and one and a half years).

Infanrix is much easier for children to tolerate than DPT, but some side effects may still occur:

• feverish state;
• prolonged crying of a child;
• sleep disorders;
• changes in blood pressure;
• susceptibility to viral infection.

To avoid complications, it is not recommended to vaccinate at high body temperature, in case of coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia.

You can get vaccinated in private children's centers and clinics, in the immunology departments of children's hospitals, or in a children's clinic (provided the vaccine is available).

Where can I get vaccinated against diphtheria?

Diphtheria vaccination can be carried out with several types of vaccines:

• combined DPT;
• Pentaxim;
• Infanrix.

Preventive vaccination in childhood involves the administration of DPT serum, which we discussed above.

Where can adults get vaccinated against diphtheria? Such a vaccination can be done at a state polyclinic for adults, in an immunoprophylaxis office, as well as in many private clinics that provide vaccination services to the population.

An adult patient is vaccinated against diphtheria once using the ADS-M serum every 10 years.

In adults, the reaction to the serum injection may be as follows:

• malaise, high temperature;
• rash, swelling and pain at the injection site.

As a rule, the listed side effects disappear on their own within a few days.

If the patient being vaccinated has chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys, respiratory system, etc., the vaccination is done under the supervision of a doctor.

Where can I get a tetanus shot?

The tetanus vaccine is included in the DPT complex vaccine, which is administered in childhood and protects against three diseases at once: whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria.

Adult patients, if they do get a tetanus shot, in most cases these are emergency shots related to some suspicious injuries that could lead to the disease. Tetanus shots in adults are the administration of tetanus toxoid or ADS-M vaccine, which consists of a combination of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid.

Where to get a tetanus shot? Most often, emergency vaccinations are given at a trauma center or trauma department of a clinic or hospital. Routine childhood vaccinations can be given at a clinic or vaccination and immunoprophylaxis centers.

It should be noted that vaccination should not be carried out:

• during pregnancy;
• in the acute period of inflammatory and infectious diseases;
• if you are prone to allergies to the drug being administered.

Immediately after vaccination, to avoid complications, it is recommended to eat easily digestible food without a lot of fat and spices, and also to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

Where to get a flu shot?

The flu shot is recommended for absolutely healthy people (not suffering from colds, infectious and inflammatory diseases) aged from six months to 60 years. The best time for such a shot is the autumn period between October and November, since the peak of flu epidemics falls in the winter-spring time.

Who is most likely to get a flu shot?

• For women planning to become pregnant in the winter-spring period.
• For children aged from six months to 2 years.
• Adults with a weak immune system, chronic cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes.
• For health workers.

The flu vaccine is not recommended:

• during pregnancy;
• if you have an allergy to protein products;
• if you have an allergy to vaccination.

Where to get a flu shot? You can get a flu shot at a district or city clinic or at a private clinic. Moreover, during the flu season vaccination centers are often opened in schools and kindergartens, where you can take your child.

The flu vaccine is not specific and it is advisable to get it annually.

Where to get vaccinated against polio?

Polio vaccination is considered mandatory when a child is admitted to kindergarten. The vaccine is administered according to the following schedule: at 3 months, at 4, at 5, at 18 months, then at 2 years and at 6 years. Two types of vaccines can be administered:

• Solk serum (injectable);
• Sabin serum (oral).

Adults can also be vaccinated if necessary. This is done in cases where patients were not vaccinated as children and visit areas where there is a risk of contracting polio.

Polio vaccination can be done at a children's clinic, in the immunoprophylaxis office at a clinic in your place of residence, or at a private immunology clinic.

The vaccine is not recommended for people with immune disorders or a tendency to be allergic to neomycin and streptomycin.

Side effects from the vaccine are minor or absent altogether.

Where can I get vaccinated against typhoid?

There are two known types of typhoid vaccines:

• inactivated injection serum;
• attenuated oral serum.

The first type of vaccine is administered from the age of 2, no later than 2 weeks before traveling to a typhoid risk zone. If such trips are of a permanent nature, or a person lives in a dangerous area, then such vaccinations should be administered once every 2 years.

The second type of vaccine (oral) can be used from the age of six. The vaccination course includes four injections with an interval of two days. A booster vaccination is carried out every 5 years if necessary.

The introduction of the vaccine may be accompanied by:

• fever;
• dyspeptic disorders;
• skin rashes;
• allergic reaction.

Vaccination should not be performed:

• children under 2 years old;
• persons with immunodeficiency conditions;
• persons with oncological pathologies;
• persons undergoing treatment with chemotherapy drugs, steroid hormones, or who are exposed to X-rays.

Where to get vaccinated against typhoid? This vaccination can be done in the immunoprophylaxis office at polyclinics, at private clinics, and also in vaccination and immunology centers.

Where to get vaccinated against herpes?

Vaccination against herpes is carried out using the Vitagerpavac vaccine - a herpes culture inactivated dry vaccine. This vaccination allows preventing exacerbations of herpes types 1 and 2.

It is recommended to get vaccinated against herpes:

• patients with chronic herpes infection with exacerbations of the disease more than three times a year;
• elderly people with weakened immune systems;
• patients with immunodeficiency stages I and II.

There are also a number of contraindications to vaccination:

• herpes in the active phase;
• acute period of infections and inflammatory diseases;
• oncology;
• pregnancy;
• tendency to allergy to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides;
• active phase of HIV infection.

The herpes vaccine can be administered in medical institutions (in a hospital, dispensary, polyclinic) only under the supervision of a doctor. The standard vaccination schedule includes 5 injections with an interval of 1 week between each.

In some cases, weakness and fever may occur after the vaccine is administered. These symptoms go away without any special treatment.

Where can I get vaccinated against papilloma?

In many cases, it is recommended to vaccinate against papilloma for girls from 11-12 years old. Vaccination is carried out in three stages: 2 months should pass between the first and second vaccinations, and 6 months between the second and third. It is essential that the first vaccination is carried out before the girl begins to live a sexual life.

If a woman has not been vaccinated but has already had sexual intercourse, she must be tested for the papilloma virus before the vaccination. If the virus is not detected, the vaccination can be done. The Gardasil vaccine can also be used if the virus has already settled in the body.

There are two known types of vaccines against papilloma:

• Gardasil serum;
• Cervarix serum.

Vaccinations are not given to those who are prone to allergies, during periods of acute infections and inflammations, or during pregnancy.

What side effects can the papilloma vaccine cause?

• feverish state;
• complications from the central nervous system;
• infertility.

As a rule, you can get vaccinated against papilloma at a local clinic (if the vaccine is available) or at a special vaccination center, which are available in almost any large city.

Where can an adult get vaccinated?

Adults are susceptible to various diseases no less than children. Therefore, adult patients often seek medical help for certain vaccinations. Which vaccines are most often used for vaccinating adults:

• flu shot – before the flu season;
• Hepatitis B vaccination – is carried out in three stages;
• hepatitis A vaccination – 2 injections are administered at intervals of six months;
• tetanus and diphtheria vaccination - usually given after an injury or other tissue damage;
• rubella vaccination – is carried out before the start of a planned pregnancy;
• polio vaccination – done before traveling to regions where polio is a risk factor;
• meningococcal vaccination – performed before traveling to countries in Central Africa and South America;
• Pneumococcal vaccination – in case of immune weakness of the body.

Of course, many people understand that getting vaccinated against a disease is much safer than getting sick with it. That is why immunology centers, inpatient immunology departments and immunoprophylaxis rooms in polyclinics in most cases have the most popular vaccines and serums for various diseases. Before making an appointment, check with your chosen medical institution about the availability of the necessary vaccine, as well as the conditions for vaccination. In some cases, before vaccination, laboratory tests and consultations with specialized specialists are required.

Where to get children vaccinated?

Children receive their first vaccinations in the maternity hospital – these are vaccinations against hepatitis B and against tuberculosis (BCG).

Next, to get vaccinations, you can go to a children's clinic, or arrange with a nurse who will come to your home and carry out routine vaccinations.

When the baby grows up, vaccinations can be carried out in kindergarten and school, in the health worker’s office.

If, for some reason, parents do not want to go to a state medical institution, then it is quite possible to carry out any vaccination (both planned and emergency) in private paid clinics: children's immunology centers, immunoprophylaxis clinics, children's health centers, etc.

Before taking your baby for another vaccination, measure his temperature (the norm is 36.6, and for children under one year old – up to 37.2), and also visit a pediatrician, who will give the final “go-ahead” for the vaccination.

Some experts recommend giving your baby anti-allergic medications before vaccination. However, it is up to you to decide whether to do this or not.

Where can I get my dog vaccinated?

You can vaccinate your dog yourself by purchasing the vaccine at a veterinary pharmacy or from dog breeders. However, if you need documentation confirming that your dog has been vaccinated, then in this case the vaccination should be carried out at veterinary clinics or veterinary stations that have the necessary licenses to perform vaccinations. You may need vaccination documents in the future when visiting exhibitions or when traveling with your dog.

Before vaccinations, you must remember the following rules:

• You should not vaccinate a dog that has worms (they must first be eliminated);
• bitches are vaccinated before mating;
• Most dog vaccinations should be repeated annually;
• Vaccinations are given only to healthy animals. The exception is plague: in this case, emergency vaccination is given intravenously.

But it would still be wiser to vaccinate under the supervision of a veterinarian. In addition, many clinics do not exclude the possibility of sending their specialist to your home. The doctor will examine the animal, give the necessary recommendations, vaccinate and observe the dog after the injection.

Where can I get a paid vaccination?

As a rule, free vaccinations can only be done in state medical institutions, and even then, only with the use of scheduled (mandatory) vaccines of domestic production. Paid vaccination with imported vaccines is carried out both in regular vaccination rooms of children's clinics and in private children's clinics, where you will be offered several options of drugs to choose from.

It is up to you to decide where to get vaccinated, paid or free. Most often, the choice is determined by circumstances. For example, you have to wait for a free vaccine at a state clinic, and the child needs to be registered for a kindergarten, so parents are forced to get a paid vaccination.

Some mothers and fathers choose paid vaccination on purpose. Indeed, in most cases, imported paid serums are better tolerated by children, have a minimum of side effects and cause complications less often.

By the way, sometimes paid vaccines can be given out for free: this concerns children who already have health problems in their infancy. Clinics have special social programs to help such children, including free administration of imported vaccines.

As for emergency or unscheduled vaccinations for adults, they are usually paid for, regardless of where they are performed.