Why should you vaccinate? Vaccinations protect you and the people around you from spreading unavoidable diseases that can lead to serious health complications. It’s important to stay up to date on your vaccinations, especially if you suffer from certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, asthma, or diabetes. Learn about what recommendations the CDC has on vaccinations you should receive depending on your chronic condition.
Heart Disease, Stroke, or Other Cardiovascular Disease
Why are vaccinations important to you?
With heart disease, it may be harder to fight off certain diseases and easier to react to diseases that are out there. You want to protect yourself as best as possible by staying up to date on your vaccinations.
Vaccinations you need:
- Influenza Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Tdap Vaccine
- Zoster Vaccine
Lung Disease and Asthma
Why are vaccinations important to you?
Without the proper care of taking vaccines, you are putting yourself at risk to get pneumonia and other serious respiratory illnesses.
Vaccinations you need:
- Influenza Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Tdap Vaccine
- Zoster Vaccine
Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
Why are vaccinations important to you?
Having diabetes can put you at a greater risk of serious consequences if you were to get a certain infection. It will be harder for your immune system to fight the infection off.
Vaccinations you need:
- Influenza Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Tdap Vaccine
- Hep B Vaccine
- Zoster Vaccine
What are These Vaccinations?
Influenza Vaccine
- This vaccine protects against the four influenza viruses. These shots are commonly given with a needle in your arm. There is also the option of a nasal spray flu vaccine.
- There are multiple types of flu vaccines. Here are just a couple:
o Fluzone High Dose – available for people 65 years and older; contains a higher dose of antigen to create a stronger immune response.
o Fluad Quadrivalent – available for people 65 years and older.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
- This vaccine helps to prevent pneumococcal disease which is any type of illness cause by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
- It is recommended by the CDC that these individuals receive PCV15 or PCV20 vaccination:
o Adults 65 years or older.
o Adults 19 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions or risk factors.
Tdap Vaccine
- This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
- Tetanus is something you get through cuts or wounds. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person.
- If you have never received the Tdap vaccine, you should get it. Also, you should receive a booster dose of Tdap or Td every 10 years.
Hep B Vaccine
- This vaccine protects against Hepatitis B. You can get infected by being in contact with the body fluids of someone that is already infected.
- This can be an acute infection where you experience fever, fatigue, etc. This can also be a chronic infection which could lead to liver damage, liver cancer, etc.
- You are immune for life once you get the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Zoster Vaccine
- This vaccine is also known as the shingles vaccine. Shingles is a painful rash that develops on the side of your body or torso.
- Shingles can last anywhere from a month to several years.
- The risk of getting shingles increases as you get older.
How Pharmacists Can Help
Pharmacists are also in a unique position to identify those patients who are in target groups for certain vaccinations. They may also be able to ease the fears of many patients by providing them with facts such as clinical data and by dispelling common misconceptions and myths about vaccinations; they can also stress the significant risks associated with not being vaccinated.
Tria Health was founded on the belief that pharmacists play a vital role in the management of high-risk patients. With Tria, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins, supplements, and lifestyle habits. Your pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding vaccinations.