Immunizations are an important line of defense against contagious diseases that can quickly spread through communities. At Peninsula Healthcare & Wellness Center, Kevin Calhoun, MD, Shelly Calhoun, FNP-C, and the team offer a variety of recommended immunizations, including seasonal flu shots, travel vaccines, and other immunizations to lower your risk factors for disease. They also offer in-office COVID-19 testing to identify infections, even if you don’t have symptoms. Call the office in Torrance, California, today to schedule immunizations and COVID-19 testing or book an appointment online.

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What are immunizations?

Immunizations are a protective measure you can take to lower your risk for contagious diseases that can cause serious health complications and premature death. There are immunizations currently available to protect you from diseases, such as:

  • Mumps
  • Measles
  • Polio
  • Tetanus
  • Shingles
  • Chickenpox
  • Pneumonia

To protect yourself from complications of the influenza virus, Peninsula Healthcare & Wellness Center offers seasonal flu shots.

For adolescents and young adults, immunizations available to lower your risk for human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that can increase your risk for certain types of cancer.

How often do I need immunizations?

The Peninsula Healthcare & Wellness Center team recommends that you stay current with all immunizations, including the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines, to protect yourself from potentially life-threatening health complications. The team offers physical exams and reviews your medical history to determine if and when you need updated immunizations.

While you receive many vaccines in early childhood to protect you from illness while your immune system is still developing, you also need to receive regular boosters for some immunizations to keep you protected.

If you plan to travel outside of the United States, the team recommends additional vaccines to protect against infections like yellow fever and malaria that are common in other countries.

COVID-19 is a type of contagious disease that causes mild to severe respiratory complications. This disease spreads from person to person through infected droplets that travel through the air when you cough, sneeze, or speak. To prevent long-term health issues, you should be current with recommended COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

You should also schedule COVID-19 testing if you develop respiratory symptoms to slow the spread of the virus to others.

What can I expect during COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing is available for people who experience respiratory symptoms like persistent coughing and nasal congestion common with a COVID-19 infection. You should also schedule testing if you come into contact with someone who may have a COVID-19.

During COVID-19 testing, the team inserts a long cotton swab into your nasal cavity to collect a sample of fluids. They evaluate the sample during your visit to confirm or rule out a COVID-19 infection.

If you test positive for COVID-19, the team provides instructions for isolating yourself to prevent the spread of the infection. They can also recommend home remedies you can use to treat mild to moderate symptoms of the virus.

If you have serious symptoms like shortness of breath or a high fever, you should seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or visiting the nearest hospital emergency room.

To schedule vaccinations or COVID-19 testing, call Peninsula Healthcare & Wellness Center today or book an appointment online.