The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending a flu shot for individuals age six months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.

Yes! The flu vaccines are also effective for the H1N1 virus.

Some minor side effects that could occur are: Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was administered; fever (low grade); aches or nausea. A complete list of possible side effects is available here.

A: You can feel confident that our certified pharmacists will be available to administer your immunization conveniently and professionally.

Want to save time? Download the Vaccination Administration Record and bring it with you to the pharmacy.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by Varicella Zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox. 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. The rash can be painful. Shingles rashes can last 2-4 weeks, but in some people the nerve pain can last for months. 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. 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles in their lifetime.

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 pain caused by shingles. There are currently two vaccines available, Shingrix® and Zostavax®.

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).

Adults who previously received Zostavax® should get Shingrix®. They should wait at least 2 months after receiving Zostavax® to receive Shingrix®.

The CDC also continues to recommend adults aged 60 years or older, receive either available vaccine. However, Shingrix® is preferred the preferred choice of zoster 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 (cancer, certain immune disorders)
• Have undergone cancer treatment (radiation or chemotherapy)
• Take high doses of steroids by injection or by mouth
• Are pregnant or plan to get pregnant
• Have an active episode of shingles (wait until illness is over and symptoms have resolved).

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 3 to 7 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease certain vaccine related symptoms.

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.