The influenza virus spreads through droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who has the flu. You can contract the flu by breathing in these droplets through your nose or mouth, or by the droplets landing directly on your eyes. The flu virus may also be found on the hands of people who already have flu and on surfaces they have touched. You can become infected if you shake hands with an infected person or touch a contaminated surface and transfer the virus to your own eyes, nose or mouth.
A flu vaccination is not a guarantee that you will not contract the flu, but it is the closest thing to ensuring the flu virus won't take hold inside your body. Influenza vaccination has been shown to prevent illness in approximately 70 to 90 per cent of healthy children and adults.
Although a healthy lifestyle and frequent hand washing also go a long way towards keeping your immune system fighting fit, these measures may simply not be strong enough if you find yourself in the company of someone who already has the virus.
The flu is seasonal and a yearly vaccination is highly recommended. A prescription is not needed for a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can be administered by a pharmacist for those ages 14 and up.
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immunizations
Stay healthy and protect those you love. Depending on your age and medical conditions your doctor may recommend a regimine of vaccinations. Realo pharmacists can administer, bill, and help answer all of your immunization questions. No appointment is necessary! (Vaccines listed with an * do not require a prescription. All vaccines listed below can be administered for ages 18 and up.)
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A is most commonly transmitted via contaminated food or drinking water. It is also one of the most vaccine-preventable diseases. The CDC recommends the Hepatitis A series to anyone visiting an endemic area with intermediate to high risk of infection.
Hepatitis B Vaccine*
Transmission of the Hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infected blood or body fluids containing blood. A Hepatitis B series is your best level of prevention before your trip.
Hepatitis A and B Combo Vaccine
Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine
Common cause of cervical cancer in women
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Measles, mumps and rubella are viral illnesses, which can be transmitted by respiratory droplets. Vaccination is recommended for children as well as adults born after 1957 who have not yet received the vaccine.
Meningococcal Vaccine*
Organisms that are spread person to person by close contact cause meningitis. This disease can cause inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. The vaccine is recommended for college students living in dormitories, military recruits, international travelers and those with weakened immune systems.
Pneumococcal Vaccine*
Pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection that can be spread by respiratory droplets. The infection can cause fever, cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Vaccination is recommended for all adults over 65 years of age, those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine Live*
It is different than the chickenpox vaccine. Older adults who receive the herpes zoster vaccine are less likely to have complications from shingles.
Varicella Zoster Virus (Chicken pox)
Chicken pox is usually acquired by inhaling airborne respiratory droplets from an infected host. Vaccination for Varicella is recommended for any travelers who have not been previously vaccinated and ALL children.
Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine (Td Boosters)*
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap Vaccine)*
Ask one of our pharmacists how to get your immunizations today!