At Michelle's Pharmacy, we are as committed to helping you avoid getting sick as we are to helping you feel better.
We have certified pharmacists to administer immunizations right in the store, and no appointments are necessary! Some immunizations may be billed to Medicare or your insurance plan.
Seasonal Immunizations
Influenza (“the flu”) is a contagious disease caused by a virus and can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. Both children and adults can contract influenza at any point during the calendar year, though occurrences are highest from November to May. Getting vaccinated in December, or even later, may still be beneficial to avoid contracting the virus. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading it to others.
Q: Should I get a flu shot?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending a flu shot for individuals age six months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
Q: Will my flu vaccine also protect me against H1N1?
A: Yes! The flu vaccines are also effective for the H1N1 virus.
Q: Are there any side effects to the seasonal flu vaccine?
A: Some minor side effects that could occur are: Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was administered; fever (low grade); aches or nausea. A complete list of possible side effects is available here.
Q: Should I get a flu shot at a pharmacy?
A: You can feel confident that our certified pharmacists will be available to administer your immunization conveniently and professionally.
Note: If you are allergic to eggs, you should not receive a flu vaccination.
Shingles Immunization
Shingles is a painful skin rash experienced by almost a million people each year. The primary symptom is severe pain and is often accompanied by fever, headache, chills and upset stomach that last from two to four weeks. Caused by the varicella zoster virus, shingles comes from the same virus strain that causes chickenpox. Often after an individual experiences chickenpox, the virus will remain dormant in the body and reactivate years later causing shingles.
Approximately one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles. The risk of contracting shingles increases with age; nearly half of all cases occur in individuals age 60 years and older. Individuals who experience shingles will likely only develop it once in their lifetime, though in rare instances, it may be contracted a more than once.
The best protection against shingles is the vaccination. SHINGRIX is a vaccine indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older. Having been studied extensively for nearly a decade, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends Shingrix as the preferred vaccine for the prevention of shingles for adults aged 50 and up. Here's what you should know about the Shingrix vaccine:
- Studies have show that Shingrix is effective and provides longer, stronger immune response from your body.
- Shingrix is recommended for those 50 and older, including those who have received Zostavax.
- Shingrix is administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.
Shingrix is covered under your Medicare Part D plan for eligible patients. Other private insurance plans may provide some coverage. Call us with any questions regarding any out-of-pocket expenses.
An appointment is not necessary. However, it's best to call us in advance to insure that Shingrix is in-stock and available on the day you want it.
On Location Vaccination Administration
Our on location clinics provide an efficient way to help companies and their employees stay healthy and productive.
A study in healthy employees between 18 and 64 who were vaccinated against influenza found:
- 25% fewer episodes of upper respiratory tract illness
- 45% fewer days off work because of upper respiratory illness
- 44% fewer visits to doctors due to upper respiratory illness