When was the last time you checked to see if you were up to date on all your vaccinations? Vaccines are not just for children, vaccines help safeguard your health throughout your entire life by preventing serious diseases and their potentially devastating consequences. By maintaining a current immunization status, you actively reduce your risk of contracting vaccine-preventable illnesses and spreading them to your loved ones. Vaccination recommendations may change as you age, if you are a frequent traveller, if you become pregnant, or if you become diagnosed with health conditions that increase your risk of a certain disease. Talk to your doctor or PharmaChoice Pharmacist for personalized advice on which adult immunizations you are eligible for.
Here is a list of common vaccine-preventable diseases that adults may need to be vaccinated for: chicken pox (varicella), diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV (human papillomavirus), measles, meningococcal, mumps, pneumococcal, polio, rubella, shingles, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). Your PharmaChoice Pharmacist can prescribe and administer many of these vaccines. Some of the mostly commonly administered vaccinations in community pharmacies (besides the flu and Covid shots) are the pneumococcal, shingles, and HPV vaccines. Keep reading to learn more about these vaccines!
- HPV Vaccination
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to various cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. While often associated with younger populations, adults can still benefit from the HPV vaccine. If you haven’t received the vaccine during your adolescent years, it’s not too late to protect yourself. There are multiple types of HPV vaccines you may receive depending on your sex and age, so talk to your PharmaChoice Pharmacist for more information and to see if you are eligible for a HPV vaccine.
- Pneumococcal Vaccination
Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can lead to severe infections in the lungs and bloodstream. It poses a particular risk for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, pharmacists can administer pneumococcal vaccines to protect you from this preventable disease! As with the HPV vaccines, there are multiple different types of pneumococcal vaccines, so speak with your Pharmacist to find out which will offer you the most protection.
- Shingles Vaccination: Preventing Painful Outbreaks
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to a painful rash and nerve-related complications. This condition primarily affects individuals who have previously had chickenpox, and the risk increases with age. Protecting yourself with the shingles vaccine is an essential step in preventing this uncomfortable condition. There are two types of shingles vaccines, but the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix ®) is recommended for most adults 50 years and older.
Maintaining up-to-date immunizations is an integral part of protecting your health and the health of those around you. Your pharmacist can prescribe and administer many vaccinations. so taking charge of your well-being has never been more convenient. Prioritize your health today, and don’t hesitate to speak with your PharmaChoice pharmacist to ensure you’re staying protected against the many vaccine-preventable diseases including HPV, pneumococcal infections, and shingles!
