Immunizations and Vaccines

At Sheldon’s Express Pharmacy, our pharmacists administer many immunizations each year as a service to our customers. Below, is a list of immunizations that we offer. Typically, your insurance will pay for immunizations and we will happily bill them for you. Whether traveling or doing preventative care, we are here to help.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Some people, such as senior citizens, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year with a flu shot.

 

What is the flu shot?

The “flu shot” is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that’s given with a needle, usually in the arm. The vaccine takes effect approximately two weeks after it has been administered.

 

Who should get a flu shot?

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older* get a flu shot, including healthy people, and people with chronic conditions. In general, it is recommended that anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated, including:

  • People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:
    • People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease
    • Pregnant women
    • People 65 years and older
  • People who live with or care for others who are at high risk for developing serious complications. This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

 

Who should not get a flu shot?

Certain individuals should not be vaccinated without first consulting a healthcare professional. These patients include:

  • Those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs
  • Those with allergies to certain medications and preservatives, including certain antibiotics and Thimerosal (preservative)
  • Those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
  • Those who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting the flu vaccine previously
  • Those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait until they recover before getting a flu shot

 

What are the common side effects of the flu shot?

The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Fever (low grade)
  • Aches

 

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

Pneumococcal vaccine-preventable pneumonia is a lung disease caused by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that can infect the upper respiratory tract and can spread to the blood, lungs, middle ear or nervous system. Pneumonia is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable illness and death in the United States. Pneumonia can be spread from person to person through close contact. The elderly are especially at risk of becoming seriously ill and dying from this disease. Also, people who smoke cigarettes, those with certain medical conditions such as chronic heart, lung, liver diseases or sickle cell anemia, asplenia, and HIV are at increased risk for getting pneumococcal pneumonia.

 

What is the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine protects against the 23 most common types of streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (PPSV23) and the pneumonia (pneumococcal) conjugate vaccine protects against 13 types of streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (PCV13), including those most likely to cause serious disease.

 

Who should get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

  • People 65 and older should get a dose even if they have gotten one or more doses of the vaccine before they turned 65.
  • Adults ages 19-64 who smoke or have asthma
  • Anyone ages 2-64 who has a long-term health problem such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, alcoholism, cirrhosis, cerebrospinal fluid leaks or cochlear implant.
  • Anyone ages 2-64 who has a disease or condition that lowers the body’s resistance to infection, such as Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma or leukemia, kidney failure, multiple myeloma, nephrotic syndrome, HIV infection or AIDS, damaged spleen, or no spleen, or organ transplant.
  • Anyone ages 2-64 who is taking a drug or treatment that lowers the body’s resistance to infection, such as long-term steroids, certain cancer drugs, or radiation therapy.

 

Who should not get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

  • Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the pneumococcal vaccine or to any component of the vaccine should not get another dose. Tell your provider if you have any severe allergies.
  • Anyone who is moderately or severely ill should probably wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.
  • Pregnant women should consult with their OB/GYN before getting vaccinated. While there is no evidence that pneumonia is harmful to either a pregnant woman or to her fetus, as a precaution, women with conditions that put them at risk for pneumococcal disease should be vaccinated before becoming pregnant, if possible.

 

What are the side effects of the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

Mild-to-moderate problems include:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Fever, muscle aches, and drowsiness

 

Severe problems (rare) including allergic reactions:

 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Hives
  • Pale skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness

 

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

 

It’s extremely rare for these vaccines to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains in your body in a dormant or inactive stage. If the virus becomes active again you may get shingles. Age, increased stress, and problems with the immune system may increase your chances of getting shingles.

The shingles rash usually occurs on one side of the body, in a line along a nerve pathway. The rash begins as a tingling in the area then forms a cluster of small red spots that often blister. The rash can be painful. Shingles rashes can last 2-4 weeks, but in some people the nerve pain can last for months. For most people, the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. In some people, severe complications include pneumonia, blindness, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and even death.

You cannot catch shingles from another person with shingles; however a person who has never had chicken pox or been vaccinated for chicken pox could get chicken pox from someone with shingles.

 

What is the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of shingles by 50%. The shingles vaccine can also reduce pain in people who still get shingles after being vaccinated.

 

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

A single dose of the shingles vaccine is FDA approved for adults 50 years of age and older.

 

Who should not get the shingles vaccine?

You should not get the shingles vaccine if you:

  • Have a moderate or severe illness like a cold or sinus or lung infection
  • Are allergic to any of its ingredients
  • Are allergic to gelatin or neomycin
  • Have a weakened immune system (for example, an immune deficiency, leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV/AIDS)
  • Take high doses of steroids by injection or by mouth
  • Are pregnant or plan to get pregnant

 

What are the side effects of the shingles vaccine?

Mild-to-moderate problems:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Headache

 

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain associated with any of the above.

 

Severe problems (rare) may include serious allergic reactions, with symptoms including:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Hives
  • Pale skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness

 

It is extremely rare for this vaccine to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, call the doctor or seek immediate medical attention.

Hepatitis A is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation affecting your liver’s ability to function. It is usually spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water or close contact including sexual relations with someone who is already infected. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

 

What is the hepatitis A vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent infection and is safe and effective. The vaccine, given in two doses six months apart, is injected into the arm or thigh muscle. Both shots are needed for long-term protection.

 

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

  • The CDC recommends all children at age 1 year
  • Travelers to countries that have high rates of hepatitis A
  • Men who have sexual contact with other men
  • Users of injection and non-injection illegal drugs
  • People with chronic (lifelong) liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • People who are treated with clotting-factor concentrates for hemophilia or another medical condition
  • People who work with hepatitis A infected animals or in a hepatitis A research laboratory

 

Who should not get the hepatitis A vaccine?

  • Anyone with a life-threatening allergy to any vaccine component should not get the vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any severe allergies. All hepatitis A vaccines contain aluminum and some hepatitis A vaccines contain 2-phenoxyethanol.
  • Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine should not get another dose.
  • Anyone who is moderately ill should wait until they recover.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. The safety of hepatitis A vaccine for pregnant women has not been determined. But there is no evidence that it is harmful to either pregnant women or their unborn babies. The risk, if any, is thought to be very low.

 

What are the side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?

Mild-to-moderate problems:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite

 

Severe problems (rare):

 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Hives
  • Pale skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness

 

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

 

It’s extremely rare for these vaccines to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Hepatitis A is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation affecting your liver’s ability to function. It is usually spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water or close contact including sexual relations with someone who is already infected. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

 

What is the hepatitis A vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent infection and is safe and effective. The vaccine, given in two doses six months apart, is injected into the arm or thigh muscle. Both shots are needed for long-term protection.

 

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

  • The CDC recommends all children at age 1 year
  • Travelers to countries that have high rates of hepatitis A
  • Men who have sexual contact with other men
  • Users of injection and non-injection illegal drugs
  • People with chronic (lifelong) liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • People who are treated with clotting-factor concentrates for hemophilia or another medical condition
  • People who work with hepatitis A infected animals or in a hepatitis A research laboratory

 

Who should not get the hepatitis A vaccine?

  • Anyone with a life-threatening allergy to any vaccine component should not get the vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any severe allergies. All hepatitis A vaccines contain aluminum and some hepatitis A vaccines contain 2-phenoxyethanol.
  • Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine should not get another dose.
  • Anyone who is moderately ill should wait until they recover.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. The safety of hepatitis A vaccine for pregnant women has not been determined. But there is no evidence that it is harmful to either pregnant women or their unborn babies. The risk, if any, is thought to be very low.

 

What are the side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?

Mild-to-moderate problems:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite

 

Severe problems (rare):

 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Hives
  • Pale skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness

 

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

 

It’s extremely rare for these vaccines to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a dangerous nerve ailment caused by the toxin of a common bacterium often found in soil. This bacterium can also exist in environments as diverse as animal excrement, house dust, and operating rooms. It enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds.

Diphtheria is highly contagious and is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is a respiratory disease that typically causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. It can also cause paralysis, heart failure, and death.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious illness spread by contact with droplets coughed out by someone with the disease, or by contact with recently contaminated hard surfaces upon which the droplets have landed. Early symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. After this stage, the most common symptom is intense bouts of coughing in which the gasping person makes a “whoop” sound when inhaling between coughs.

 

What are the Tdap and Td (Tetanus Booster) vaccines?

The Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

Td (Tetanus Booster) vaccine can protect against tetanus and diphtheria, and has been used for many years as booster doses for adolescents and adults.

 

Who should get the Tdap and Td (Tetanus Booster) vaccines?

  • Adolescents 11 – 18 years of age should get one booster dose of Tdap.
    • A dose of Tdap is recommended for adolescents who got DTaP or DTP as children but have not yet gotten a dose of Td. The preferred age is 11-12.
    • Adolescents who have already gotten a booster dose of Td are encouraged to get a dose of Tdap as well, for protection against pertussis.
  • Adolescents who did not get all their scheduled doses of DTaP or DTP as children should complete the series using a combination of Td and Tdap.
    • All adults aged 19 and older should get a booster dose of Td every 10 years. Tdap should be substituted for Td (Tetanus Booster) for the next dose among people with the following characteristics:
    • All adults who have never gotten Tdap
    • All adults who expect to have close contact with an infant younger than 12 months of age
    • Healthcare workers who have direct contact in hospitals or clinics
  • Pregnant women should get Tdap during the 27th to 36th week of each pregnancy. New mothers who have never gotten Tdap should get a dose as soon as possible after delivery.
  • Anyone who gets a severe cut or burn might need a dose of Td or Tdap to prevent tetanus infection. Tdap may be used for people who have never had a dose. But Td should be used if Tdap is not available, or for:
    • Anyone who has already had a dose of Tdap
    • Children 7 – 9 years of age

 

Who should not get the Tdap vaccine?

  • Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, or Tdap, or to any component of any of these vaccines should not get Td or Tdap.
  • Anyone who had a coma, or long or multiple seizures within 7 days after a dose of DTP or DTaP should not get Tdap, unless a cause other than the vaccine was found (these patients can get Td)
  • Anyone who is moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting the Tdap or Td vaccine.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider if the person getting either vaccine has had any of the following:
    • Epilepsy or another nervous system problem
    • Severe swelling or severe pain after a previous dose of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, or Tdap vaccine, or
    • Has had Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS).
  • Tell your healthcare provider if the person getting the vaccine has any severe allergies.

 

What are the side effects of the Tdap and Td (Tetanus Booster) vaccines?

Mild-to-moderate problems include:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

 

Severe problems include (rare):

 

  • Deep, aching pain and loss of muscle strength in the upper arm
  • Serious allergic reactions, with symptoms including:
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Wheezing
    • Hives
    • Pale skin
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Dizziness

 

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

 

Sheldon’s administers Tdap and Td vaccines; however, we do not administer DTaP. Please see your healthcare provider for the DTaP vaccine