Jones Drug Store – Spencer Pharmacy

Who should receive this vaccine

CDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines.

• Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. It may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.

Who should receive this vaccine

• The flu vaccine is now recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
• High-dose flu shots can be available for those age 65 and older.

About Flu (Influenza)

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can be highly contagious. The influenza virus spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, headache, and muscle aches. The illness level ranges from mild to severe, and in severe cases may lead to death.

Who should receive the vaccine

Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.

About RSV

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.

Who should receive this vaccine

Anyone over the age of 65 should receive the Pneumonia vaccine.

About Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung disease 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. These infections can be prevented with vaccines and can usually be treated with antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or specific drug therapies.

Who should receive this vaccine

Anyone over the age of 60 should receive the Shingles vaccine.

About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles is a painful skin rash also called herpes zoster and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles. The risk of shingles increases with age.

Who should receive this vaccine

• People traveling to countries where hepatitis is common should receive the vaccine.
• People with chronic liver disease should receive the vaccine.

About Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an acute liver disease that’s caused by the hepatitis A virus or HAV. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests small, even microscopic amounts of fecal matter. Ingestion typically occurs while eating contaminated food or drinks. Hepatitis A may be mild or severe, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. In rare cases, liver failure or death may occur.

Who should receive this vaccine

• Sexually active adults not in a mutually monogamous relationship receive the vaccine.
• People with HIV infection receive should receive the vaccine.

About Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus or HBV. Like hepatitis A, it may start as an acute disease, causing a mild illness that lasts for a few weeks. In some people, especially infants, the hepatitis B virus lingers, causing a lifelong chronic illness. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person.

Who should receive the vaccine

• Patients 10 years of age and older should receive a one-time dose of Tdap.
• Adults previously vaccinated require a Td booster every 10 years.

About Tetanus

Tetanus enters the body through a wound or cut. It affects the brain and nervous system and causes extremely painful muscle spasms. Spasms of the jaw can make it impossible for you to open your mouth. This condition is often called “lockjaw.” Tetanus does not spread from person to person.

About Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a very contagious infection that makes it difficult to breathe. Severe cases can cause heart and nerve damage.

About Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an extremely contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe breathing issues, especially in young children. Pertussis first appears like an ordinary cold, but then causes uncontrollable coughing spells. A “whoop” noise is created when the person tries to breath in after coughing.