Our Pharmacy offers convenient, immunization service for adults on a walk-in or appointment basis.
Meningococcal
Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for college students, those enrolling in the military, and travelers to endemic countries.
- The meningococcal bacteria can cause a relatively rare but potentially fatal disease called meningitis, which affects the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Infection can progress to death within 24 to 48 hours, or lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, or loss of limbs. It is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions.
- Persons who live or work in close quarters with others, such as college students as well as those traveling to endemic regions, should consider the vaccine.
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all adults age 65 or over, or any adult with health conditions such as diabetes or lung disease.
- Pneumococcal disease can result in serious, sometimes fatal infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia) and the brain (meningitis).
- You can protect yourself from this disease with the pneumococcal vaccine, which can be administered at any time of year and provides long-term protection against the disease.
Shingles
It is recommended that people over the age of 50 should receive a vaccination to help prevent shingles.
Shingles:
- Is a painful, blistering rash caused by a virus affecting the nerve roots.
- Is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve ever had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you are at risk.
- Can last up to a month.
- Can result in nerve pain that can stay with you for years.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis
Everyone should have a tetanus/diphtheria booster shot every 10 years. Once in an adult lifetime that shot should also contain pertussis vaccine.
- Tetanus is a severe infection that is not contagious but can be fatal if untreated. It is caused by bacteria which is found virtually
everywhere and can enter the bloodstream through a wound. - Diphtheria is a contagious disease that spreads through direct contact with an infected person, usually via coughing or sneezing. Like tetanus, it can be fatal if untreated.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe coughing spells, vomiting and disturbed sleep. It is especially important for people expecting to have close contact with an infant to receive their booster.
Unfortunately, too many adults forget their booster vaccinations and let their protection “run out.”
Hepatitis A & B
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for people with “high risk” lifestyles and people whose jobs or travel take them to infected areas.
- Hepatitis A is a liver disease that can cause nausea, vomiting, and a number of more serious symptoms. It is spread by the consumption of contaminated food or water, and through occupational or personal contact with infected animals and humans. It is not a life long disease.
- Hepatitis B is a serious viral disease that attacks the liver. The hepatitis B virus can cause short- and long-term illnesses leading to liver damage, liver cancer, and possible death. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or body fluids.
Human Papillomavirus HPV
Vaccines are available that protect both women and men against cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and ideally, the vaccine should be administered before sexual debut in order to ensure maximum benefit.
- Recommended age ranges and dosing schedules vary based on type of vaccine chosen.
