"Vaccinations aren't just for kids—they're an important part of staying healthy at every age," says Jennifer A. Hensley, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, member of the Internal Medicine team at ARC Georgetown. "They give your immune system the tools it needs to fight off serious infections and keep you protected."
From COVID-19 and influenza (flu) to measles and polio, vaccinations help protect you, your loved ones, and your community from serious illness.
What are vaccines and how do they work?
Vaccines are tools that help your body defend against harmful germs, like viruses and bacteria. They expose your immune system to a safe, harmless piece of the germ—called an antigen—so your body can learn how to fight it.
It's like giving your immune system a practice run. Your body remembers the germ without you getting sick, so if you encounter it later, your immune system can act quickly and effectively. This gives you protection against serious illness.
More about how vaccines work.
Why are vaccines important?
Adult vaccinations offer many benefits, including:
- Protection from preventable diseases like measles (through the MMR vaccine), HPV, and polio
- Prevention of serious illness from common diseases like COVID-19 and the flu
- Contributes to the herd immunity of your community
- Protects loved ones and other vulnerable people from illness
"Getting the right immunization at the right time helps stop the spread of dangerous diseases, keeping you healthier and helping to protect those around you," says Jennifer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes annual recommendations for adult vaccines, including routine boosters.
Learn more about the 2025 recommended adult immunization schedule from the CDC.
Questions about your vaccination status?
Your doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) is here to guide you on which vaccines and boosters you may need. "We want to help you keep your immunization schedule up to date," says Jennifer. "This can prevent disease, save lives, and strengthen herd immunity in our community."
Learn more about COVID vaccine eligibility and scheduling at ARC.
Learn more about scheduling a flu vaccine at ARC.
Make an appointment today
Jennifer is accepting new patients ages 18 and older at ARC Georgetown. Schedule an appointment with Jennifer online, through ARC MyChart, or call ARC Georgetown at 512-819-0264.