Featured Adult Vaccines and Articles
SHINGLES
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). After you’ve recovered from chickenpox, the virus stays in your nervous system and can remain inactive for years, until it gets reactivated either by stress, a lowered immune system, as we age, and other triggers.
Did you know there are vaccinations to help reduce the chances of developing shingles?
Ask us if you are 50 years of age and over.
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PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs of the lungs which causes them to fill with fluid or pus and can be mild to severe. Some individuals are at higher risk of both catching pneumonia, and the complications that can arise from pneumonia.
Did you know there are different types of pneumonia vaccinations available? If you’re an adult at risk of respiratory illnesses, ask your Pharmasave pharmacist about which one is right for you.
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HPV – HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a contagious infection that is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. The vaccines available help protect against cancers such as cervical, anal, vaginal, and penile cancers, as well as against genital warts.
There are different HPV vaccines available for both females and males in Canada and each vaccine has different age group recommendations. We recommend that teenagers, young adults and adults speak to us about HPV vaccinations. Your Pharmasave pharmacists can help you determine which vaccination is right for you.
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TETANUS AND DIPHTHERIA
Tetanus affects the nerves of the human body and is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Tetanus can cause painful muscle contractions and be dangerous; therefore, it’s important to keep up to date by receiving regular tetanus booster vaccinations. Health Canada recommends getting a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
Diphtheria is a serious contagious bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can cause initial symptoms such as fever and chills, and a sore throat, and then progresses to thick mucous production and swelling that blocks your airways. This can be prevented through immunization.
It’s common to find tetanus and diphtheria together as a vaccination. It’s recommended that all adults regardless of age review their tetanus and diphtheria vaccine status.
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MUMPS, MEASLES AND RUBELLA
MMR is a combined vaccine which protects against mumps, measles and rubella. Mumps and measles are caused by paramyxovirus and rubella is caused by the rubella virus. They are highly contagious and are spread by tiny droplets passed from an infected person to another person. Mumps usually causes fever, headache, and swelling of the glands in the jaw and cheeks. Measles usually causes high fever, runny nose, cough and swollen eyelids. Whereas rubella usually causes fever, sore throat and swollen glands.
You may have received MMR vaccinations as a child, however, if you aren’t sure if you’ve received the vaccinations as a child, it is important to speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist. They can help you determine if you need the vaccinations as an adult.
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HEPATITIS A AND B
Hepatitis viruses cause an inflammation of the liver which may be short term or long term. Hepatitis A and B are two of the most common types of hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is mainly spread through the fecal-oral route which means the virus can spread from an infected individual through the handling of food, touched surfaces or contaminated water.
Hepatitis B is spread by blood and body fluids and it’s possible for individuals who have Hepatitis B to be unaware that they are infected because infected individuals sometimes won’t show symptoms for months. This causes the virus to be quickly, easily and unknowingly spread.
There are vaccinations for both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, which can be received separately or together. The vaccinations are recommended for individuals who live lifestyles that may put them at a higher risk including specific employment paths; people who have multiple sexual partners; people who use needles; and people who travel outside of Canada.
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