Immunizations - Get Vaccinated

Vaccine FAQs

Flu (Influenza)Shingles (Herpes Zoster)Pneumonia (Pneumococcal)Tdap (Whooping Cough)HPV (Human Papillomavirus)Hepatitis A (Hep A)Hepatitis B (Hep B)Meningitis (Meningococcal)Measles, Mumps & Rubella

COVID-19 Vaccine

Still have a question?

Flu (Influenza)

What is the flu (influenza)?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
‍
Some people, such as people over age 65, young children, and those with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year with a flu shot.

What is the flu shot?

The "flu shot" is a vaccine that protects you from the flu virus. It is inactivated, which means it contains a killed version of the virus which cannot cause disease, and is most commonly given as an injection (with a needle) in the arm.
‍
This season's vaccine protects against three or four influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and 1 or 2 influenza B viruses.
‍
The vaccine takes effect approximately two weeks after it has been administered as antibodies (substances in the blood that protect against infection) accumulate and provide protection against influenza. Therefore, it is important to get a flu vaccine before the flu begins to circulate in your area as you may be susceptible to influenza during the two weeks after your flu shot.
‍
The flu shot will not eliminate the risk of getting the flu 100% as there are several strains of viruses that can cause the flu. However, data suggests flu symptoms may be milder and complications can be reduced following vaccination. It can also protect others who are vulnerable but may not be able to receive the vaccine for a variety of reasons.

Is there a Flu Vaccine for age 65+?

Seniors ages 65 and older have a higher risk for developing complications from the flu and account for more than 60% of the flu-related hospitalizations each year. Recent studies show that people ages 65+ may not respond as well to standard-dose flu shots because they do not produce as high of an antibody response following vaccination as do younger people. People with low antibody levels may be at higher risk of catching the flu.
‍
There are vaccines, such as Fluzone High-Dose and FLUAD, designed specifically for patients ages 65+ and works by improving the production of antibodies in order to provide a stronger immune response to the flu than traditional vaccines. Like the standard flu shot, these vaccines are given as an injection in the arm and the side effects are similar, though some patients may experience increased pain, redness, or swelling around the injection site compared to standard dose flu vaccines.

Who should get a flu shot?

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older* get a flu shot every flu season, including healthy people, and people with chronic conditions. In general, it is recommended that anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated. It's especially important for some people to get vaccinated, including:
‍
• People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu.
• People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic heart or lung disease.
• Pregnant women.
• People 65 years and older.
• People who live with or care for others who are at high risk for developing serious complications. This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

Who should not get a flu shot?

The flu vaccine should not be given to:
‍
• Children younger than 6 months of age.
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients.
‍
Certain individuals should not be vaccinated without first consulting a healthcare professional. These patients include:
‍
• Those who have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
• Those who had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS) within six weeks of getting the flu vaccine previously.
• Those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait until they recover before getting a flu shot.

What are the common side effects of the flu shot?

The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:
‍
• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Fever (low grade).
• Aches.

If these side effects occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Over the counter products may be recommended to manage minor side effects. Most people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

The CDC recommends that people get the flu shot as soon as vaccine becomes available and before the flu is widespread. The peak season is typically October to March in the U.S. but can start earlier or end later. As long as the virus is circulating, the flu shot should be received. A persons should get their flu shot every flu season to ensure the best protection from the flu.

The flu shot is available seasonally at Drug Mart Pharmacy. It is administered by an immunization licensed pharmacist to patients age 12 and older.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

What is shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a reactivation of the same virus that causes chicken pox, Varicella Zoster. It causes a painful skin rash that appears as a stripe of blisters. Once you've had chickenpox, the virus remains in your body in a dormant or inactive stage. If the virus becomes active again you may get shingles. Age, increased stress, and problems with the immune system may increase your chances of getting shingles.

The shingles rash usually occurs on one side of the body, in a line along a nerve pathway. The rash begins as a tingling in the area then forms a cluster of small red spots that often blister. Shingles rashes can last 2-4 weeks, but in some people the nerve pain, also called postherpetic neuralgia, can last for months or even years. For most people, the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. In some people, severe complications include pneumonia, blindness, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and even death.

You cannot catch shingles from another person with shingles; however a person who has never had chicken pox or been vaccinated for chicken pox could get chicken pox from someone with shingles.

Shingles is far more common in people 50 years of age and older. At least 1 million people a year in the United States get shingles. Almost 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles in their lifetime. While most people will only get shingles once, a small percentage may get it again.

What is the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine has been proven as the most effective method to reduce the risk of developing shingles. It can also reduce complications such as long-term nerve pain caused by shingles. There are currently two vaccines available, Shingrix® and Zostavax®.

Who should receive a shingles vaccine?

The CDC recommends all healthy adults 50 years of age and older receive 2 doses of Shingrix® (recombinant zoster vaccine or RZV) 2-6 months apart regardless of a past episode of herpes zoster or receipt of Zostavax® (zoster vaccine live or ZVL). Zostavax may still be used to prevent shingles in healthy adults 60 years and older if a person is allergic to Shingrix, prefers Zostavax, or requests immediate vaccination and Shingrix is not available.

Adults who previously received their two doses of Zostavax® should still get Shingrix®. They should wait at least 8 weeks after receiving Zostavax® to receive Shingrix®.

Who should not get the shingles vaccine?

You should not get the shingles vaccine if you:
‍
• Are allergic to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.
• Have a weakened immune system (certain immune disorders).
• Are undergoing cancer treatment (radiation or chemotherapy).
• Take high doses of steroids by injection or by mouth.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tested negative for immunity to varicella zoster virus ( you should get chickenpox vaccine instead).
• Have an active episode of shingles (wait until illness is over and symptoms have resolved).

What are the general vaccine side effects? What is to be expected?

Shingrix®:
‍
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Muscle aches, tiredness, fever, shivering, headache, and/or stomach discomfort have also been reported after receiving Shingrix®.

Zostavax®:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Headache.

Side effects typically resolve in 2 to 3 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help ease certain vaccine related symptoms.

How do I know if I am allergic to a shingles vaccine?

Severe allergic reactions are uncommon. Signs and symptoms may occur a few minutes to a few hours after vaccination and include:
‍
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Hives.
• Pale skin.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Dizziness.
• Swelling of the face or throat.

It is extremely rare for this vaccine to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, call the doctor or seek immediate medical attention.

Pneumonia (Pneumococcal)

What is pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a lung disease caused by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria 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. Pneumonia can be spread from person to person through close contact. Anyone can get pneumococcal disease but children under 2 years old, people with certain medical conditions, adults over 65 years of age, and people who smoke cigarettes are particularly at risk. Those with certain medical conditions include chronic heart, lung, liver diseases or sickle cell anemia, asplenia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

What is the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine protects against the twenty-three most common types of streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (PPSV23) and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protects against thirteen types of streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (PCV13), including those most likely to cause serious disease.

If the patient is 65 years and older who has received PPSV23 vaccine, PCV13 should be given at least 12 months later. A second dose of PPSV23 should be given 12 months after the PCV13 dose and 5 years after the most recent PPSV23 dose.

Who should get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

PPSV23:

• All people 65 and older should get a dose of PPSV23 even if they have gotten one or more doses of the vaccine before they turned 65.
• Adults ages 2-64 may receive a dose of PPSV23 if they: (a) Have one or more of the following chronic medical conditions: chronic heart, lung or liver disease or diabetes; (b) Have alcoholism; or (c) Smoke cigarettes.

PCV13:

• People 65 and older who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant may get a dose of PCV13 vaccine based on discussions between them and their health care provider. If a decision to administer PCV13 is made, PCV13 should be administered first, followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later.
• Anyone ages 2-64 who has a disease or condition that lowers the body's resistance to infection, such as Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma or leukemia, kidney failure, multiple myeloma, nephrotic syndrome, HIV infection or AIDS, damaged spleen, or no spleen, organ transplant, certain drug or radiation therapy that causes iatrogenic immunosuppression.

If the patient is 65 years and older who has received PPSV23 vaccine, PCV13 should be given at least 12 months later. If a second dose of PPSV23 is needed, it should be given 12 months after the PCV13 dose and 5 years after the most recent PPSV23 dose.

Who should not get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the pneumococcal vaccine or to any component of the vaccine should not get another dose. Tell your provider if you have any severe allergies.

Anyone who is moderately or severely ill should probably wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.

Pregnant women should consult with their OB/GYN before getting vaccinated. While there is no evidence that either pneumonia vaccine is harmful to either a pregnant woman or to her fetus, as a precaution, women with conditions that put them at risk for pneumococcal disease should be vaccinated before becoming pregnant, if possible.

What are the side effects of the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?

Mild-to-moderate problems PPSV23:

• Redness or pain where the shot was given.
• Fever, muscle aches, and drowsiness.

Mild-to-moderate problems PCV13:

• Redness, swelling, pain or tenderness where the shot was given.
• Fever, loss of appetite, irritability, drowsiness, headache and chills.

Severe problems (rare) for either PPSV23 and PCV13 vaccine may include allergic reactions:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Hives.
• Pale skin.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Dizziness.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

It's extremely rare for these vaccines to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Tdap (Wooping Cough)

What are tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis?

Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a dangerous nerve ailment caused by the toxin of a common bacterium often found in soil. This bacterium can also exist in environments as diverse as animal excrement, house dust, and operating rooms. It enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds. Tetanus causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness throughout the body but most commonly involves the jaw and neck.
‍
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria and is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is a respiratory disease that typically causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. It can also cause paralysis, heart failure, and death.
‍
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious illness spread by contact with droplets coughed out by someone with the disease, or by contact with recently contaminated hard surfaces upon which the droplets have landed. Early symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. After this stage, the most common symptom is intense bouts of coughing in which the gasping person makes a "whoop" sound when inhaling between coughs.

What are the Tdap and Td (Tetanus Booster) vaccines?

The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acelluar pertussis) vaccine can protect adolescents and adults against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
‍
Td (tetanus-diphtheria, or tetanus booster) vaccine can protect against tetanus and diphtheria, and has been used for many years as booster doses for adolescents and adults. A related vaccine is DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; not available at Walgreens), which is routinely administered as five doses spread between infancy and children 4 - 6 years of age, to protect against the same three diseases.

Who should get the Tdap and Td vaccines?

Adolescents should receive a routine dose of Tdap at age 11-12 years.

• A dose of Tdap is recommended for adolescents who received DTaP as children but have not yet received a dose of Td.
• Adolescents who have already received a booster dose of Td are encouraged to get a dose of Tdap as well, for protection against pertussis.
• Adolescents who did not get all their scheduled doses of DTaP as children should complete the series using a combination of Td and Tdap.
‍
All adults aged 19 and older should get a booster dose of either Tdap or Td every 10 years. Adults who have not received a dose a Tdap in the past (including healthcare workers) should received a dose of Tdap first and then either Tdap or Td vaccine every 10 years.

Pregnant women should receive a Tdap vaccine with each pregnancy, preferrably between weeks 27-36 of pregnancy. New mothers who have never gotten Tdap should get a dose as soon as possible after delivery.

Anyone who gets a severe cut or burn might need a dose of Td or Tdap to prevent tetanus infection. Depending on how long it has been since the person last received a tetanus-containing vaccine, they may also need to receive tetanus immune globulin. It is best that the person who is at potential risk follow up with their healthcare provider as soon as possible to see what the correct course of treatment is for them.

Who should not get the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines?

• Anyone who has had a severe reaction (for example, anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of DTaP, DT, Td, or Tdap.
• Anyone who has had a severe allergy to any vaccine component.
• Anyone who developed encephalopathy (for example, been in a coma, had prolonged seizures, or experienced a decreased level of consciousness) within 7 days after a dose of DTaP should not get Tdap, unless a cause other than the vaccine was found (these patients can get Td).

What are the side effects of the Tdap and Td vaccines?

Mild—to—moderate problems:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.

Severe problems (rare):

• Deep, aching pain and loss of muscle strength in the upper arm.

Serious allergic reactions, with symptoms including:

• Swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Hives.
• Pale skin.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Dizziness.

Over—the—counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

What is HPV?

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. More than half of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some time in their lives. Most HPV infections don't cause any symptoms, and go away on their own. But HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. In the United States, about 37,000 cancers are caused by HPV every year. HPV is also associated with several less common cancers, such as vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and other types of cancer in both men and women. It can also cause genital warts and warts in the throat. There is no cure for HPV infection, but some of the problems it causes can be treated.

HPV vaccine: Why get vaccinated?

The HPV vaccine is available for the prevention of the diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. The vaccine can be given to both females and males to prevent HPV infection. This vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer in females, if it is given before exposure to the virus. In addition, it can prevent vaginal and vulvar cancer in females, and genital warts and anal cancer in both males and females. Protection from HPV vaccine is expected to be long-lasting. Vaccination is not a substitute for cervical cancer screening however, and women should still get regular Pap tests.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine available provides coverage against nine types of HPV strains which is associated with various cancers and infections.
‍
HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents at 11 or 12 years of age to ensure they are protected before they are exposed to the virus. HPV vaccine may be given beginning at age 9 years, and as late as age 45 years. The HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

All kids who are 11 or 12 years old should get the series of HPV vaccine. Teen boys and girls who did not get the vaccine when they were younger should get it now through age 26. Most children who get the first dose before 15 years of age need 2 doses of HPV vaccine. Anyone who gets the first dose on or after 15 years of age, and younger people with certain immunocompromising conditions, need 3 doses.
‍
HPV vaccination may be considered for some adults aged 27 through 45 years who are not adequately vaccinated and would most likely benefit.
‍
For HPV vaccines to be effective, they should be given prior to exposure to HPV. There is no reason to wait until a teen is having sex to offer HPV vaccination to them. Preteens should receive all three doses of the HPV vaccine series long before they begin any type of sexual activity and are exposed to HPV. Also HPV vaccine produces a higher immune response in preteens than it does in older teens and young women.

Who should not get the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine is not recommended for anyone who:

• Has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine. Tell your doctor if the person getting vaccinated has any severe allergies, including an allergy to yeast.
• Is moderately or severely ill. People who are mildly ill when a dose of HPV vaccine is planned can still be vaccinated.
• Is currently pregnant or planning pregnancy during the course of treatment.

Hepatitis A (Hep A)

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation affecting your liver's ability to function. It's usually spread through ingesting contaminated food or water or close contact (including sexual relations) with someone who is already infected. Symptoms of hepatitis A include flu-like illness, jaundice, stomach cramping and diarrhea. Frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

What is the hepatitis A vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent infection and is safe and effective. The vaccine, given in two doses six months apart, is injected into the arm or thigh muscle. Both shots are needed for long-term protection.

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

• All children at age 1 year.
• Unvaccinated children or adolescents in communities with hepatitis A outbreaks
• Travelers to countries that have high rates of hepatitis A.
• Families planning to adopt a child or care for an adopted child from a country with high rates of hepatitis A.
• Men who have sexual contact with other men.
• Users of illegal injection and non-injection drugs.
• People with chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
• People who are treated with clotting-factor concentrates for hemophilia or another medical condition.
• People who work with hepatitis A infected animals or in a hepatitis A research laboratory.
• Any person who has been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.

Who should not get the hepatitis A vaccine?

• Anyone with a life-threatening allergy to any vaccine component (all hepatitis A vaccines contain aluminum and some hepatitis A vaccines contain 2-phenoxyethanol).
• Anyone who is moderately ill.

Is the hepatitis A vaccine safe for pregnant women?

The safety of hepatitis A vaccine for pregnant women hasn't been determined. But there's no evidence that it's harmful to either pregnant women or their unborn babies. The risk, if any, is thought to be very low.

What are the side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?

Mild-to-moderate problems:

• Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given.
• Headache, tiredness and loss of appetite.

Severe problems (rare):

• Difficulty breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Hives.
• Pale skin.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Dizziness.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

It's extremely rare for these vaccines to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Hepatitis B (Hep B)

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, including contact with objects that could have blood or body fluids on them such as toothbrushes and razors. The hepatitis B virus can cause:
‍
Acute (short-term) illness, the symptoms of which are flu-like and include loss of appetite, tiredness, joint and muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting and jaundice. Most adults who get hepatitis B have this acute form of hepatitis B, and then get better.
‍
Chronic (long-term) infection which can be very serious, and often leads to liver damage, liver cancer, or death. Babies and young children infected with hepatitis B are more likely to get this chronic form of the disease.

What is the hepatitis B vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. It is a series of 2, 3 or 4 shots usually given over a 6-to-12 month period. It is given by an injection into the arm muscle of adolescents and adults and thigh muscle of infants and young children. Estimates of long-term protection for those getting the full vaccination (2, 3 or 4 doses) suggest that protection from hepatitis B could last for up to 20 or 30 years and possibly for life.

Who should get the hepatitis B vaccine?

• All children should get their first dose at birth, with a second dose between 1-2 months of age, and should have completed their vaccine series by 6-18 months of age.
• Children and adolescents through 18 years of age who did not get the vaccine when they were younger should be vaccinated.
• Adults at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B, as well as any person who desires protection from hepatitis B.
• Persons at increased risk are as follows:

(a) Those whose sex partner is infected with hepatitis B;
(b) Men who have sex with men;
(c) People who inject street drugs;
(d) People with more than one sex partner;
(e) People with chronic liver or kidney disease, or HIV infection;
(f) People with jobs that expose them to human blood;
(g) Household contacts of people infected with hepatitis B;
(h) Residents and staff in institutions for the developmentally disabled;
(i) Kidney dialysis patients;
(j) People with hepatitis C infection;
(k) People who travel to countries where hepatitis B is common; or
(l) People under 60 years of age with diabetes at the recommendation of their health care provider.

Who should not get the hepatitis B vaccine?

• Anyone with a life-threatening allergy to baker's yeast, or to any component of the vaccine should not get the hepatitis B vaccine. Tell your provider if you have any serious allergies.
• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine should not get another dose.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill should probably wait until they recover.
• Pregnant women who need protection from hepatitis B may be vaccinated, but should check with their doctor first.

What are the side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine?

Meningitis (Meningococcal)

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a rare but serious infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord and is caused by meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial illness. Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children age 2 through 18 in the United States and may also result in blood infections. Symptoms of meningitis can include fever, stiff neck, eye sensitivity to light, purple-spotted rash, a drop in blood pressure, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants younger than 12 months of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as a removed spleen. Meningococcal disease is contagious and is commonly spread by close contact, such as coughing, and can be shared by people living in the same household. College freshman who live in dormitories and teenagers ages 15 to 19 have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.

Meningitis is potentially fatal; even with antibiotic treatment, 10-15 percent of infected people can die. As many as 20 percent of people who survive the infection can be expected to lose a limb, become deaf or have serious long-term medical conditions.

What is the meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine?

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) can prevent infection against meningococcal disease. This vaccine protects about 90 percent of people who get it. This vaccine is not indicated for treatment of meningococcal infections.

Another CDC-recommended option is the serogroup B meningoccal (MenB) vaccine, which protects against an additional bacterial strain that may cause meningitis. Additional MenB vaccine information can be found on the CDCs website: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/mening-serogroup.pdf.

Who should get the MCV4 meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine?

• All children ages 11-12, with a booster dose given at 16 years old (adolescents who receive the first dose between ages 13-15 should receive a booster dose between 16-18 years old).
• College freshman living in dormitories.
• Anyone who has a damaged or removed spleen.
• U.S. military recruits.
• Microbiologists who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria.
• Anyone traveling to or living in a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common.
• Anyone who has been exposed to a meningitis outbreak.

Who should not get the meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine, MenB or MPSV4?

People 10 years or older who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, including:

• People at risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak.
• Anyone whose spleen is damaged or has been removed, including people with sickle cell disease.
• Anyone with a rare immune system condition called “persistent complement component deficiency”.
• Anyone taking a type of drug called a complement inhibitor, such as eculizumab (also called Soliris®) or ravulizumab (also called Ultomiris®).
• Microbiologists who routinely work with isolates of N. meningitidis.

The MenB vaccines may also be given to anyone 16 through 23 years old to provide short-term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease.

What are the side effects of the meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine, MenB or MPSV4?

Mild-to-moderate problems:
‍
• Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given.
• Headache, tiredness and loss of appetite.

Severe problems (rare):

• Guillain-Barre syndrome (For those who received MCV4.
• Serious allergic reactions including difficulty breathing, hives, pale skin, fast heartbeat, or dizziness.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

Measles, Mumps & Rubella

What are measles, mumps and rubella?

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases that have the potential to be very serious. They can be spread from infected people through the air.
‍
The measles virus causes fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye and rash. If the measles virus infects the lungs, it can cause pneumonia. Some older children infected with the virus will suffer from brain inflammation, which can cause seizures and permanent brain damage.
‍
The mumps virus usually causes fever, headache and swollen glands. It can lead to deafness, meningitis, painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries and, in some cases, death.
‍
Rubella, also known as German measles, causes rash, low-grade fever and arthritis. If a pregnant woman gets rubella, she could miscarry or give birth to a baby with serious birth defects.

What is the MMR vaccine?

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a recommended childhood vaccine. This three-in-one vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella and is required for children to enter school in most states. Children need two doses of the vaccine, while adults who need it should get at least one dose.

Who should get the MMR vaccine?

Children should get the first dose of MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age, and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Children can get the second dose at any age, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.

Adults who have not been vaccinated nor had the diseases, or don't know if they've been vaccinated or had the diseases, and who meet any of the following criteria:

• Adults born after 1956.
• Work in a medical facility.

Who should not get the MMR vaccine?

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or to a previous dose of MMR vaccine.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill.

Anyone with the following characteristics should check with their healthcare provider about whether they should get the MMR vaccine:

• Has HIV/AIDS, or another disease that affects the immune system.
• Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for two weeks or longer.
• Has any kind of cancer.
• Is taking cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs.
• Has ever had a low platelet count (a blood disorder).

Is the MMR vaccine safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant women should wait to get their MMR vaccine until after they have given birth. Women should avoid getting pregnant for four weeks after getting the MMR vaccine.

What are the side effects of the MMR vaccine?

Mild-to-moderate problems:
‍
• Fever, rash and seizures.
• Swollen glands in the cheeks or neck.
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints.
• Temporary low blood platelet count.

Severe problems (rare):

• Deafness.
• Permanent brain damage.
• Serious allergic reactions including difficulty breathing, hives, pale skin, fast heartbeat, or dizziness.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever.

It's extremely rare for these vaccines to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Get Vaccinated

We offer the following vaccines:

Are you up to date on immunizations?