Get an immunity boost
Vaccines are important tools in maintaining your overall health. They produce immunity to specific diseases by preparing your body to fight them more effectively so you won't become ill.
Your pharmacist can answer any questions you have about vaccines. Jennifer Wozniak, Pharmacy Manager at Cornerstone Co-op in St. Paul, Alberta, explained why vaccinations should be a part of your family’s health regime.
Vaccine basics
Wozniak said vaccinations help prevent diseases by preparing your immune system to defend against a particular virus or bacteria.
A vaccine is an injection composed of an inactivated (dead), weakened or purified component of the particular virus or bacteria. It stimulates your immune system to produce specific antibodies to fight the virus or bacteria you’ve been vaccinated against.
Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to prevent disease.
“Although vaccinations may cause mild and temporary pain at the injection site or mild fever, serious side effects are rare,” said Wozniak.
Planning your vaccination
Once you have a prescription for a vaccine from your doctor, speak to your pharmacist.
“They can review the injection schedule if more than one dose is required, adverse effects and contraindications with you to ensure that the vaccine is appropriate for you,” Wozniak advised.
You may have to book an appointment with your pharmacist, and the vaccine may have to be ordered if it’s not kept in stock at the pharmacy on a regular basis. Your pharmacist will talk to you about cost or insurance coverage as well.
“The pharmacist will ask that you stay at the pharmacy for at least 15 minutes after it is administered so they can check with you to ensure you are not reacting to the vaccine,” said Wozniak.
Vaccinations at your pharmacy
While all pharmacists can answer your vaccine questions, not all pharmacists are authorized to administer them. They must have a current, valid CPR Level C and first aid certificate, as well as specific qualifications and authorization from their College of Pharmacists.
“Pharmacists providing vaccinations must complete an accredited immunization and injection program and must have been granted authorization from their respective College of Pharmacists—the provincial licensing body—to provide injections or immunizations,” explained Wozniak.
Authorized pharmacists can administer a wide range of vaccines, including the shingles vaccine (Zostavax® or Shingrix®), the hepatitis A and/or hepatitis B vaccines (Havrix® or Twinrix®), the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Gardasil®) and the seasonal flu vaccine. Pharmacists trained in travel health may also offer vaccines such as the yellow fever vaccine.
Including vaccines in your overall health strategy will help you and your family to stay ahead of disease and boost your immunity. Talk to your local Co-op pharmacist about your vaccination options today.
