Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.

The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting vaccinated each year.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and fully clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. Shingles on the face can affect the eye and cause vision loss. In rare cases (usually in people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread on the body and look similar to a chickenpox rash.

CDC recommends two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) to prevent shingles and related complications in adults 50 years and older. Shingrix is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or from mother to baby at birth.

Not all people newly infected with HBV have symptoms, but for those that do, symptoms can include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice.

Hepatitis B can become a long-term, chronic infection that can lead to serious, even life-threatening health issues like cirrhosis or liver cancer. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. You can protect your child from these cancers with HPV vaccine at age 11–12 years. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if they don’t have signs or symptoms.

Children ages 11–12 years should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. Children who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need three doses, given over 6 months.

Everyone through age 26 years should get HPV vaccine if they were not fully vaccinated already. HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Measles, mumps, and rubella are infections that can lead to significant illness. CDC recommends that people get MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.

Children may also get MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This vaccine is only licensed for use in children who are 12 months through 12 years of age.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Whooping cough is a very serious respiratory (in the lungs and breathing tubes) infection. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It can cause violent coughing fits. Whooping cough is most harmful for young babies and can be deadly.

Five doses of the DTaP shot and a Tdap booster shot are recommended for children and preteens by doctors as the best way to protect against whooping cough (pertussis).

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Vaccines can prevent some types of pneumonia. You can also help prevent pneumonia and other respiratory infections by following good hygiene practices. These practices include washing your hands regularly and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Approximately 44,000 people died from pneumonia in the United States in 2018. Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults. Vaccines and appropriate treatment (like antibiotics and antivirals) could prevent many of these deaths. There are two vaccines that help prevent pneumococcal disease among adults 65 years or older. Both vaccines are safe and effective, but they cannot be given at the same time. Talk to our pharmacists to learn what vaccine is appropriate for you.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani. When the bacteria invade the body, they produce a poison (toxin) that causes painful muscle contractions. Another name for tetanus is “lockjaw”. It often causes a person’s neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow.  The CDC recommends people of all ages to take the tetanus vaccine.

CDC recommends babies and young children should get five shots of DTaP between the ages of 2 months and 6 years. Children 6 years old and younger who should not get whooping cough vaccines can receive DT for protection against diphtheria and tetanus. Preteens should get one shot of Tdap between the ages of 11 and 12 years.

All adults who have never received one should get a shot of Tdap. This can be given at any time, regardless of when they last got Td. This should be followed by either a Td or Tdap shot every 10 years.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.

COVID-19 vaccines help your body develop protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19. CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible get a vaccine or booster.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.