protecting our community is
worth a shot!
Getting vaccinated against preventable diseases is the best way to protect ourselves and our community, especially because some of the most vulnerable often are not eligible for many vaccines. Let us help you protect your friends, family, and neighbors by getting your vaccines up to date. We are proud to offer vaccines at all of our pharmacy locations. All locations regularly stock influenza (seasonally), shingles, pneumonia, and Tdap; most have COVID-19 primary and booster vaccines, though the manufacturer and age group differs. To check what your nearest location has, visit their page!
Influenza (the Flu)
You have the power to protect yourself and the ones you love from influenza. Make sure your whole family gets their annual flu vaccine to help them fight off the flu bug.
The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. We all know someone who is at risk of developing serious flu related complications. Pregnant women, young children, older people, and those with certain chronic medical conditions all have the highest risk.
COVID-19
We're all ready to get back to normal, and the best way to do that is by making sure you and all of your loved ones are vaccinated against COVID-19.
Bivalent booster vaccines are now available to anyone 5 years or older who has finished their primary series. As of December 9, 2022, children 6 months to 5 years of age who received the Moderna vaccine are eligible for a bivalent booster dose; children 6 months to 4 years of age who have received 2 or fewer doses of the Pfizer vaccine series will receive the bivalent vaccine as their third dose.
Pneumonia
Two new vaccines are available to prevent pneumonia, Vaxneuvance 15 and Prevnar 20. If you have never received a pneumonia vaccine, we recommend the NEW single-dose Prevnar 20. If you have previously received a pneumonia vaccine, please ask our team if you are eligible for an additional vaccine.
The pneumonia vaccine is available year-round to those eligible. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated against pneumonia if you are 65 or older OR are 19-64 years and have certain medical conditions or risk factors, including:
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Diabetes
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Heart, Liver, or Lung Disease
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Asthma
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COPD
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Alcoholism
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Cigarette Smoking
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Sickle Cell Disease
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Cochlear Implant
Shingles
Don’t let the painful, blistering rash of shingles hold you back from doing what you love. The 2-dose Shingrix shingles vaccine is 90% effective in preventing shingles.
The CDC recommends the vaccine for healthy adults 50 and older, including those who have had shingles, received Zostavax, or are not sure if they had chickenpox.
Medicare now covers Shingles vaccinations at no charge!
Tdap
Tdap vaccines offer protection from three viruses in one shot: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus enters the body through open wounds and causes painful muscle stiffening. Diphtheria spreads from person to person and can cause difficulty breathing, heart failure, and paralysis. Pertussis also spreads from person to person and causes violent coughing, to the point it is difficult to eat, drink, or breathe. All three can be deadly; whooping cough is especially dangerous to babies and small children.
The CDC recommends that adolescents get a single dose of Tdap at 11 or 12 years of age ideally; pregnant women should also get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy (preferably during the third trimester) so the protection from the vaccine passes to the newborn.
Adults should also get a booster dose of either Tdap or Td (no pertussis protection) every 10 years. With some injuries, it may be recommended to receive a booster dose sooner.
Who should get vaccinated?
EVERYONE!
But some are at higher risk of serious complications than others.
Seniors
Older adults are more likely to contract viruses like the flu and to have serious complications.
There are many different vaccines specifically for seniors, including shingles (50+), pneumonia (65+) and the High Dose flu vaccine. Talk to our team for information on the different available vaccines — we can help you stay up to date on your shots!
Children
Children are more likely to have flu-related complications if they catch the flu virus. The CDC recommends all children 6 months and up receive a flu vaccination.
Medicap Pharmacy offers walk-in flu shots without a prescription for ages 6 & up and for those as young as 6 months of age, if insurance allows.
Those with Chronic Conditions
Many chronic conditions impact the immune system, which means that those living with chronic diseases have a higher risk of catching a virus if they come across it.
Talk to your doctor or our team to see if you qualify for various vaccines. Some vaccines, like pneumonia, are recommended at younger ages for people living with several chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.