Why Immunize

The joy of a new baby is full of excitement and the unknown. From day one, you make daily decisions to protect your child, and some of those decisions include vaccination. So, the question “why immunize?” is a good one to ask.

Serious disease is still out there.

While you may not see serious diseases in your neighborhood like your parents or grandparents once did, you can ask them to share stories about polio or measles. Vaccines protect us now, but these diseases still exist. If we stopped vaccinating, these diseases would return. Choosing to vaccinate is choosing to protect your child from vaccine-preventable diseases. Please take a moment to watch the short video clip below.

The disease can be just a plane ride away.

We live in a connected world where travel is part of everyday life. While polio is not in our country, many countries still battle polio and other diseases. Vaccinating your child protects them against disease no matter how the exposure happens.

Vaccines are the proven choice.

The United States has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. Before a vaccine is approved and given to children, scientists, and medical professionals carefully evaluate all available vaccine information to determine its safety and effectiveness by extensive testing. Vaccine recommendations are updated as new information and science become available.

Your child may feel discomfort or tenderness where they got the shot, but this is minor compared to the serious complications that can result from the diseases these vaccines prevent. Nearly all children can be safely vaccinated. There are some exceptions, including children with allergies to something in a vaccine and those with weakened immune systems due to an illness or a medical treatment, such as chemotherapy.

The immunization schedule provides the best protection

Just as your doctor tells you to finish the full antibiotic prescription (even if you feel better) to become fully immunized, children need to receive all doses of the vaccines according to the recommended schedule. If your child does not receive the full number of vaccine doses, they will be vulnerable to catching serious diseases. Check with your child’s healthcare provider to find out which vaccines your child needs.

You can download a current schedule here.

Vaccines mean less sickness and fewer missed work and school days.

No parent wants to see their child sick. Vaccine-preventable diseases can cause your child to be sick for many days or even weeks and result in expensive medical bills. Save your days off and money for vacations or time with family. It only takes a few moments for your child to get vaccinated to protect themselves and the whole family.

Plant the seeds of protection through vaccination.

By vaccinating your child, you also protect someone else’s child. When you vaccinate yourself, you also protect your senior parents. When your family is vaccinated, you also protect your neighbors. This is called Community Immunity, or Herd Immunity, and helps protect those children and adults who cannot receive vaccines or have weakened immune systems that do not respond well to vaccination. You can vaccinate yourself and your family to protect others as well!

Why immunize?

From all of us at TAPI, we hope we have provided you with sound information about why it is important to immunize your children and your whole family. We encourage you to talk to your doctor or healthcare worker with any questions. Together, let’s help protect our community from vaccine-preventable diseases. Please email us at TAPIAdmin@TAPI.org with any questions.

Vaccines for Adults

The best way to stay up to date on your adult vaccines is by visiting your healthcare provider. There are also other options for receiving vaccines if you do not have a provider. Please read the below options to find a fit for you.
1. Primary Care Provider

Are you looking for a particular vaccine? Call and ask the questions below. Also, ask if you are up to date on your immunizations during each yearly physical.

  • Does your provider carry the vaccine?
  • If not, can your provider order the vaccine?
  • Can a script be written so you can get it at a pharmacy?
  • Is the vaccine covered by insurance?
2. Community Health Centers

Community Health Centers accept most insurance and offer the uninsured a sliding scale for services provided. Adults can receive immunizations and general medical treatment. Click here for a list of Community Health Centers. 

3. Walk-In Care Clinics

Vaccines are available at most locations, which are open 7 days a week and accept insurance. It’s suggested you call before visiting the clinic and consider the following questions:

  • Is your vaccine covered by insurance?
  • Do they carry the vaccine you need?
4. Immunization Clinic

Clinics are held statewide in various locations. Click here for a list of statewide locations, or click or call the following resources.

5. Your Local Pharmacy

Many pharmacies now administer vaccines, like the flu and Tdap, to adults and many vaccinate kids over the age of 6. Consider the following questions before going to the local pharmacy:

  • Does your pharmacy give the vaccine you need?
  • If you have insurance, does your insurance cover a vaccine administered specifically at a pharmacy?
  • Does your insurance cover the cost of the vaccine?
  • If you are uninsured, how much does the vaccine cost?

Vaccinate and Protect the WHOLE Family!

Spaying and neutering are the most effective ways to keep your pet healthy while helping tackle pet overpopulation in our community. Fix Adopt Save (FAS) offers affordable and accessible spay/neuter programs, services, and events monthly.

Every animal deserves a good home and FAS. is educating the public on the benefits of adopting a rescue (or shelter) pet.

FAS. encourages responsible pet ownership and provides resources to pet owners in need. Visit FixAdoptSave.org for more information.

If you need additional help, please visit TAPI’s Contact Us page.

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