Vaccination

While our bodies naturally work to protect us from certain diseases, there are vaccinations available for a wide range of serious or highly contagious diseases that can help protect us even further and prevent certain conditions from developing. It is important for patients of all ages to remain up-to-date on vaccines as designated by the schedule recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Vaccinations use small amounts of killed or weakened microorganisms that actually cause the disease to make us immune to a specific condition, similar to the immunity experienced after a natural infection with the condition. While vaccinations are not necessarily permanent, they provide long-lasting protection to keep patients of all ages safe and healthy. Booster shots are available in many cases to prolong the immunity effects provided by the initial vaccine. We provide a wide range of vaccinations to ensure the health and safety of all of our patients.

Travel Vaccinations

Before travelling internationally, you may be required or recommended to receive one or more vaccinations, depending on your destination, age, season of travel and overall health. It is important for patients of all ages to be up-to-date on all routine immunizations before travelling, as diseases that are considered rare in the US may still be common in other parts of the world.
Certain vaccines are recommended by the CDC to protect travelers against infectious diseases. Your doctor will advise you of the recommended vaccinations for you based on your individual trip and health. Travel vaccinations are usually administered four to six weeks before your trip, as most vaccines take time to become effective. At Family Care Torrance, we provide comprehensive travel vaccination services to protect you during your trip.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection spread from person to person through blood and body fluids, and is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, injection drug use or from pregnant women to their children. This chronic condition is the cause of up to 80% of all liver cancer cases, and is one of the leading causes of death in the country. The hepatitis B vaccine is made of synthetic materials and is completely safe, with only a small risk of mild side effects, and no risk of developing the disease from vaccination. It is considered the first anti-cancer vaccine, as it helps prevent liver cancer.
This vaccine is usually administered to newborns, but should also be given to children under the age of 18 and adults at risk for developing hepatitis B. Three separate injections over the course of several months are required to ensure full protection against hepatitis B.

H1N1

Also known as swine flu, the H1N1 influenza virus is a highly contagious strain of influenza that caused the first flu pandemic in over 40 years in 2009. Vaccination is now available to protect patients of all ages from developing the H1N1 virus. The CDC encourages everyone to receive the H1N1 vaccine, especially those at an increased risk for acquiring this virus, such as children and older adults.
The H1N1 vaccine is administered as a shot or through a nasal spray and is readily available at Torrance Family Care. Flu season generally spans from the early fall to late spring season, so patients should be vaccinated each year.

Flu

The best defense against the seasonal influenza virus is to receive the yearly vaccine available from your doctor. While most people who get the flu have only mild cases and feel better within a week or two, some may require a hospital stay or can even die as a result of flu-related complications. An influenza vaccine is available during flu season (early fall to late spring) that exposes the immune system to the flu virus in order to produce antibodies.
This vaccine is available as a shot or nasal spray at Torrance Family Care. It is recommended that everyone receive the flu vaccine each year, especially those at a higher risk of flu complications, which includes children, adults over the age of 50 and pregnant women.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that commonly spreads between patients under the age of 15, and may lead to serious complications such as brain swelling, pneumonia and skin infections. The varicella vaccine is usually administered to children at 12 to 18 months and again between four and six years old, although any older children, adolescents or adults who have never had chickenpox can also receive this vaccine.
The varicella vaccine effectively protects up to 90% of patients who receive the vaccine from developing chickenpox. Those who do develop this infection after vaccination usually experience a milder form of the disease. Side effects are usually mild and may include pain, redness and swelling at the site of the injection.