Vaccinations
Are you up to date on your Vaccinations?
Are you ready to get an immunization at Northern Light Pharmacy, but want to make sure that a Northern Light Pharmacy pharmacist can administer it for you? Northern Light Pharmacy is required to adhere to state law when administering immunizations, and each state has its own unique requirements. The following chart observes the State of Maine immunization laws:
Able to be administered Northern Light Pharmacy Pharmacist:
- A Northern Light Pharmacy pharmacist can assist in getting a prescription from your prescriber for this vaccine.
- *Please note persons under 18 should contact their primary care physician to receive their vaccine except for their Flu Shot.
Chickenpox - Varicella or chicken pox is caused by a virus. It is most commonly seen in children. The symptoms can include rash, itching, fever and fatigue. It can also lead to scars from chicken pox blisters, severe skin infections and bacterial infections such as pneumonia. The virus can be spread from person to person through direct contact or through air particles (ex. coughing).
- Who should get the Chickenpox Vaccine?
- Children under 13 years old should get 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine at these ages:
· 1st dose: 12 through 15 months of age
· 2nd dose: 4 through 6 years of age (may be given earlier, if at least 3 months after the 1st dose). The second dose may be given at an earlier age if it is given at least 3 months after the first dose.
People 13 years of age and older (who have never had chickenpox and never received chickenpox vaccine) should get two doses at least 28 days apart.
Hepatitis A - Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is found in the stool of the infected person. The virus attacks your liver and can cause symptoms such as jaundice (yellow eyes, skin), darkening of urine, severe diarrhea, stomach pain and flu-like symptoms (fever/chills, sore throat). HAV is spread by eating food and drinking water that is contaminated with the virus and by close contact with an infected person. Some people can be sick for up to a month and may be hospitalized. Getting the vaccine can prevent Hepatitis A infection.
- Who should get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
- Vaccination is recommended for all children age 12 months and older, for travelers to certain countries, and for people at high risk for infection with the virus.
Hepatitis B - Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus can spread when individuals come in contact with contaminated blood (cuts, bites and open skin wounds of an infected person) or in contact with bodily fluids (by having unprotected sexual intercourse). A baby can get infected if the mother is infected. People can also be infected if they come in contact with a contaminated object. For example, sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes. People who are infected can get short-term symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), fatigue, muscle aches and feeling very tired. Some people can have long-term infections which can cause serious liver damage and also liver cancer. These individuals may not feel sick but they can still spread the disease to people around them. It is estimated that about 2000-4000 individuals die from liver damage or cancer caused by HBV every year.
- Who should get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
- Children and adolescents:
- Babies normally get 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine:
- 1st Dose: Birth
- 2nd Dose: 1-2 months of age
- 3rd Dose: 6-18 months of age
- Some babies might get 4 doses, for example, if a combination vaccine containing hepatitis B is used. (This is a single shot containing several vaccines.) The extra dose is not harmful.
- Anyone through 18 years of age who didn't get the vaccine when they were younger should also be vaccinated.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Most infections do not cause symptoms and go away on their own within 2 years. Sometimes, the infection can progress and can cause serious problems such as genital warts and cervical cancer. Approximately 20 million individuals in the United States are infected with HPV. The vaccine can prevent this infection and it’s other problems, including cervical cancer.
Influenza - Influenza ("flu") is a virus that affects thousands of children and adults every year in the United States. The virus is contagious meaning it can spread from person to person very easily through: sneezing, coughing or nasal secretions. The symptoms seen in infected individuals include fever, sore throat, cough, chills,
muscle aches and fatigue. The virus can also worsen other medical conditions. For example, individuals who have problems in their heart, lungs, and kidneys, or have a weak immune system can get more severe symptoms. By getting the vaccine you can protect yourself as well as avoid spreading the virus to other individuals.
Meningitis - Meningitis is a bacterial infection in the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can cause significant sickness. People can damage their nervous system and severe cases may lead to amputation of their arms or legs. Symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, headache and stiff neck. It can be spread from person to person by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing or kissing, or especially if living in the same dorm rooms or household.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) - Measles, Mumps and Rubella are serious diseases caused by a virus. They are contagious and can spread from person to person through air particles. These are most commonly seen in children. Since the use of vaccines, the incidence of these diseases has declined in the United States.
Measles
The most common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, eye irritations, and runny nose. It can also lead to seizures and pneumonia.
Mumps
The most common symptoms include fever, headache, loss of appetite and swollen glands. It can also cause complications such as meningitis, testicular inflammation and deafness.
Rubella
The most common symptoms include mild fever, rash and arthritis. Pregnant women that become infected have a higher risk of complications with their pregnancy, including miscarriage.
Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an infection caused by either bacteria or a virus. It can lead to serious infections in your lungs, blood and brain. Anyone can get pneumonia but it is most common in people who are 65 years and older, smokers and those with a weak immune system. The most common symptoms include cough, fever/chills, shortness of breath and chest pain. Getting the vaccine can help prevent death from pneumonia.
Shingles - Shingles or Herpes Zoster is a disease caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) – this virus also causes chicken pox. It appears as a painful skin rash sometimes with blisters. The rash can appear on one side of the face or one side of the body with symptoms of pain. The symptoms can last from 2-4 weeks. Other symptoms include: fever/chills, headaches and upset stomach. Shingles is not contagious meaning you cannot get it from another person. Only people who have gotten chicken pox or in rare cases, the chicken pox vaccine can get shingles. Shingles is common in people who are 50 years or older. Getting the vaccine can reduce your chances of getting shingles by 50%.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) –
Tetanus
Tetanus infection is caused by bacteria. It produces a poisonous toxin in your body that can cause painful muscle contractions and muscle spasms. It mainly affects muscles in the neck and abdomen. It can cause problems such as breathing complications, difficulty swallowing, seizures and death. The bacteria do not spread from person to person, but instead through deep cuts and wounds in the skin.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by a toxin producing bacteria – it creates a thick membrane to cover the back of your throat. It can lead to upper respiratory tract infections and cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and also death.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis is very contagious and causes severe coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting and difficulty sleeping. The cough has a distinct sound or “whoop”, leading to its name. Continuous coughing can cause hospitalizations and can make you pass out. Pertussis can cause severe symptoms in children such as seizures, pneumonia, brain damage and death.
Since the vaccination, the tetanus and diphtheria rates have dropped by 99% and pertussis cases have dropped by about 92%.