Immunizations

Immunizations

When it comes to disease prevention, immunizations are key. Getting vaccinated protects you and those around you. Our main focus is to help you and your loved ones stay up-to-date on the recommended vaccines. Johnston Drug and Knox County Pharmacy have trained pharmacists that are experienced in administering injections and vaccinations. We can administer a range of immunizations for seniors and adults with a prescription from your health care provider.

The influenza, shingles and TDAP vaccines do not require a prescription at our Johnston Drug Location.

Check with your primary care provider about which immunizations are right for you. Get the immunizations that you need quickly, easily and at your convenience.

*At our Knox County Pharmacy location, please call in advance to ensure we have an immunizing pharmacist on duty.*

Its Flu Season! Q &A

Why should I get the flu shot?

  • The flu can lead to complications like pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections. It can also worsen existing conditions, like asthma or diabetes.
  • Each year, thousands of people in the U.S. die from the flu and its complications.
  • You might hold a baby. Babies under 6 months can't get the flu shot, yet they are way more susceptible to influenza than you are. Plus, infants and toddlers are more likely than adults to be hospitalized or even die from the flu.
  • The vaccine may reduce flu illness severity; so while someone who is vaccinated may still get infected, their illness may be milder.
  • According to the CDC, in past flu seasons when the match between flu vaccine and circulating strains of flu virus is close, a flu shot is 71 percent effective in reducing flu-related hospitalizations among adults of all ages, and 77 percent effective among adults age 50 and older. The flu shot may reduce a child's risk by 74 percent.

Can the vaccine give me the flu?

No. The flu vaccine can't give you the flu. But you might develop flu-like symptoms — despite getting a flu shot — for a variety of reasons, including: ·

  • Reaction to the vaccine. Some people experience muscle aches and fever for a day or two after receiving a flu shot. This may be a side effect of your body's production of protective antibodies.
  • The 2-week window. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect. If you're exposed to the influenza virus shortly before or during that time period, you might catch the flu.
  • Mismatched flu viruses. In some years, the influenza viruses used for the vaccine don't match the viruses circulating during the flu season. If this occurs, your flu shot will be less effective, but may still offer some protection.
  • Other illnesses. Many other diseases, such as the common cold, also produce flu-like symptoms. So you may think you have the flu when you actually don't.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection.

Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and sometimes updated to keep up with changing flu viruses. For the best protection, everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated annually.

How does it work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

Protect the ones you love!

The flu shot is recommended for healthy people who might spread the virus to others who are particularly susceptible.