August is National Vaccination Awareness Month

August is National Vaccination Awareness Month!

This is a great chance to see which vaccinations you will need in the coming year!

Schedule an immunization appointment with us HERE.

“Every time I get the flu vaccine it makes me sick”!

The flu vaccine does not contain any live viruses, so there is no way to get the flu from it. However, many people feel very tired the day after getting a vaccine. This is not the flu and symptoms will resolve much faster than the actual flu.¹ Vaccines work to trigger your immune system, making it stronger so that it can fight off the flu. These are some tips for dealing with fatigue from vaccinations, especially if you have experienced fatigue in the past.

Drink plenty of water
Get plenty of rest the day after your vaccination
Take an aspirin

RSV Vaccine

Everyone is talking about the new RSV vaccines. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. Infants and older adults are at high risk. Symptoms include mild cold-like symptoms similar to COVID-19 but generally not as severe. If not treated properly, RSV can lead to hospitalization or even death. It’s anticipated that the new RSV vaccines will be released in Fall 2023. This vaccine reduces your risk of contracting the virus and possibly being hospitalized.

Flu Vaccine

The new annual influenza vaccine will be released in Fall 2023. Flu vaccination rates have been decreasing consistently since the pandemic in 2020. Vaccination cuts your risk of having to go to the doctor for the flu in half, decreases the severity of the flu, and reduces your risk of having to go to the hospital for the flu by 82%!²The flu vaccine is recommended for all ages, but it is especially important for adults over the age of 50, and also for people with chronic heart disease, COPD, or diabetes.

COVID-19 Vaccine

An updated COVID-19 vaccine will also be released in Fall 2023. Official recommendations are pending, however, everyone should consider receiving this vaccine regardless of any COVID-19 vaccines they have received in the past. It is recommended for people of all ages.

Pneumonia Vaccine

The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all adults over the age of 65, and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, chronic heart disease, or COPD.

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.³ It causes a very painful rash across the body that can develop into itchy pus-filled bumps. The pain from shingles can last for months or years after the rash goes away. The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for everyone 50 and over, especially if you have had chickenpox.

Not sure which vaccines you should receive? Schedule an immunization appointment with us HERE.

References