Common Questions | Flu Vaccines | RSV Vaccines | Back to School Vaccines | Adult Vaccines | Travel Vaccines

Why immunize? It's your best defense against preventable disease.

You want to protect yourself and your family from harm. So do we.

The vaccines SCPHD administers help prevent more than 15 dangerous and deadly diseases. Vaccines work with the body's natural defenses by imitating an infection. This imitation doesn't cause any actual illness, instead the vaccine helps the immune system develop the same response it would to a real infection so it is prepared for a real infection in the future. It works a little bit like an exercise bootcamp for the body.

Sometimes the vaccine can cause minor symptoms, like a fever, soreness at the injection site, and minor muscle aches. These are normal and should be expected as the body builds immunity.

Influenza (flu)

Influenza season typically starts in November and extends into March. The best protection against the flu is regular handwashing, and avoiding people who may be sick. A flu shot is also an excellent way to prevent the disease and will being protecting your system about two weeks after a health professional administers the shot. Vaccination is especially critical for anyone living or working in close proximity to newborns, pregnant women, immunocompromised (someone who has an illness preventing them from vaccinating), and senior citizens.

See the latest influenza numbers in Idaho here.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV is a common virus that often circulates in the late fall and throughout winter. It usually causes mild symptoms, similar to a cold, but in people with sensitive or compromised health (Infants, older adults, etc.) RSV can cause serious symptoms that require hospital care.

There is a vaccine currently available to help protect older adults from severe RSV. SCPHD and some other local providers carry this vaccine. There is also a monocolonal antibody product available to help protect infants and young children under 19 months old. Please speak to your pediatrician if you are interested in the antibody product, SCPHD does not carry this product.

Learn more about RSV and preventative shots here.

Adolescent and Back-to-School Vaccines

Schools and daycares require specific immunizations before registration.

Several immunizations are recommended in the first year of your child's life to prevent serious diseases. Vaccines are also required for many daycares, all public schools K-12, and several college programs. Spring is an excellent time to check your children's vaccine record and get them caught up on any shots they may need for the following school year. Getting your vaccines now also gives your children extra protection while traveling or playing this summer. Idaho residents also benefit from a federal program that pays the majority of fees for required vaccines in children 18 and younger, removing financial barriers for residents without insurance.

Click here for more information on adolescent immunizations and parent guides on required immunizations to attend school and childcare.
Click here to check you or your child's vaccine record.

Common questions about vaccines:

Why do we still need vaccines?

Why do kids get so many vaccines at once?

Do babies get too many vaccines?

Can I space out my baby's vaccines?

Wouldn't it be better for my child to get diseases naturally?

Can a vaccine give me the disease it's supposed to protect against?

Adult Immunizations

Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Generally this is true, except some adults weren't fully vaccinated as children, some of our more advanced vaccines have been developed in the last few years, immunity can begin to fade overtime, and adults can become more susceptible to some serious diseases as they age (examples: the flu and pneumoncoccus). It's also important to check your immunization record before traveling out of the country to make sure you are protected from diseases that have been eradicated in the United States.

*SCPHD has new adult flu vaccine now in stock. We are still waiting on children and senior's flu vaccine from the distributor. The webiste will be updated when the children and senior flu vaccine is delivered.*

Overseas Immunizations

Several diseases have been eradicated from the United States thanks to immunizations. Unfortunately, that's not true for the rest of the world. If you are planning to go out of country check CDC immunization guidelines before you travel to make sure you are protected and won't bring any diseases back to the states with you. Make sure to schedule any immunization appointments several months before you leave just in case your body needs time to build antibodies.

Please note:

Immunization fees are subject to change without notice. Please contact your nearest office to check current fees.

No one will be denied children's vaccine due to an inability to pay.

Call 208-737-5900 to set an immunization appointment.