Vaccines: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Stay Protected This Summer
Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have
to protect ourselves and our communities from serious illnesses. At Rocking Horse Community Health Center, we want to make it easy and convenient for you and your family to stay up to date on vaccinations—especially during the summer months when schedules are more flexible and before the new school year begins.
What Are Vaccines and How Do They Work?
A vaccine is a substance that helps your body build immunity against diseases by introducing a weakened or inactive part of a pathogen (like a virus or bacteria) into your system. This teaches your immune system how to fight it off if you’re ever exposed in the future. Receiving a vaccine results in immunization, which means your body has developed protection from the disease. Vaccines have helped nearly eliminate diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough in the U.S. For a more in-depth explanation, check out this overview by the Cleveland Clinic or the CDC’s resource on how vaccines work.
Why Vaccinations Are Especially Important in the Summer
At Rocking Horse, we spend a lot of time during the summer helping families get caught up on vaccinations. Why? Because August comes quickly—and with it, back-to-school deadlines that often require proof of immunization. It’s also a less hectic time of year for many families, making it easier to schedule appointments.
We encourage families to ask:
- When was my child’s last set of shots?
- Are they caught up according to the recommended schedule?
- Are the adults in our family protected too?
Making time for vaccinations now means fewer worries when school starts, and better protection against outbreaks that can happen during the school year.
What Vaccines Do You Need and When?
Vaccination needs vary by age, and it's important to follow recommended schedules to stay protected:
- For children and adolescents, the CDC outlines a detailed schedule by age. This includes key vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), polio, and more.
- For adults, staying up to date is just as important. The adult immunization schedule includes recommendations for flu, COVID-19, shingles, and tetanus, among others.
If you’re unsure where you or your child stands, we’re here to help you check and plan next steps.
Where You Can Get Vaccinated
Rocking Horse offers vaccines for everyone—birth through adulthood. You can receive immunizations at any of our locations: View all locations
We also bring care directly to our communities through our Health Bus, which provides both vaccines and well checks. It’s a convenient way to stay up to date if you can’t get to a clinic.
Get Ready for a Healthy Year
Whether it’s your child’s kindergarten booster, your teen’s required middle school shots, or your own updated flu and tetanus protection, Rocking Horse Community Health Center is here to make it easy. Summer is the perfect time to check in, catch up, and get ready for a healthy start to the school year.
Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today at one of our locations or meet us on the Health Bus!
Note: This blog post is intended for general information only and should not replace medical advice. Please talk to your healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or your family’s care.
New Patient?
Contact your preferred location today!
Adult Medical (18 & Up) - we ACCEPT new patients
We will take calls for new patients on Monday mornings beginning at 8:30am. Patients may call our new patient phone number (937-328-7259) on Monday at 8:30am each week. Once those time slots are filled for the week, we will stop taking calls until the following Monday.
Pediatric Medical – we ACCEPT new patients
We will take calls for new patients on Wednesday mornings beginning at 8:30am. Patients may call our new patient phone number (937-328-7259) on Wednesday at 8:30am each week. Once those time slots are filled, we will stop taking calls until the following Wednesday.
For Newborn Babies
Call 937-324-1111 during regular business hours for scheduling.
Prenatal Center – we ACCEPT new patients.
New patients who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant can call 937-328-7260 or walk-in to schedule during regular business hours.
Chiropractic Solutions – we ACCEPT new patients, even if they are not current RHCHC medical patients.
New patients seeking chiropractic services can either call the main chiropractic phone number, 937-525-4533, for scheduling during regular business hours.
Adult and Pediatric Medical Patients – we ACCEPT new patients.
People wishing to become new patients in Madison may call the office or walk-in to schedule. Prospective patients can call the main phone number, 740-845-7286 during regular business hours.
Adult and Limited Pediatrics – we ACCEPT new patients.
Our mobile operations typically operate on a “first come, first served” basis. This means that a new patient may “walk-up” to one of our locations. Patients may access our HealthBus schedule on our website or call 937-328-7254.
Accepting New Students and Families of Springfield City Schools.
New patients wanting to schedule for medical visits or vision services may call (937)717-2578 during regular business hours.
