August is Immunization Awareness month, so what better time to get to know a little bit more about vaccines, how they work, and which ones are available at your local drug store in Powell, TN?
What is Immunization?
In the simplest of terms, immunization is the process of protecting yourself against diseases through the use of vaccines. Depending on the specific vaccine, these can be administered as a shot, oral medication, or a nasal spray. The vaccine mimics the disease, giving your body an opportunity to learn how to fight it. At present, there are more than 20 life-threatening diseases that are preventable with the help of vaccines which save between 2 and 3 million lives every year. Some of these require a doctor's visit, but others can be administered at your local drugstore in Powell, TN.
The Shingles Vaccine
One of the vaccines that are available at your local drug store in Powell, TN, is the Shingles vaccine. Approximately 1 million people in the United States get shingles each year, but the condition is preventable with the appropriate vaccination. The recommendation from the CDC is that adults over the age of 50 years get two doses of the Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) around 2-6 months apart. It is also recommended for those over 19 years who have a weakened immune system. The vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and will provide up to 7 years of increased immunity.
The Flu Vaccine
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of six months. Flu outbreaks will usually peak around October, so getting vaccinated as early as possible is important in preparation for this. Generally, vaccines become available from August to September. You can get your flu vaccination at your local drug store in Powell, TN, without an appointment. Around 200,000 people are hospitalized each year in the United States due to flu complications, with annual death rates ranging between 12,000 and 79,000! Protecting your family by arranging a quick and painless flu vaccine at your local drugstore in Powell, TN, makes sense.
The COVID-19 Vaccine
If you have not yet had a COVID-19 vaccine, you can also secure this at your local drugstore in Powell, TN. These are by appointment only, and eligibility criteria may apply. Contact your pharmacy for more information if you are interested in receiving this vaccine.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines are a vital tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and defend against specific pathogens (such as viruses or bacteria) without causing the actual disease. When vaccinated, people are exposed to a harmless form of the pathogen, which triggers an immune response. This immune response allows the body to develop immunity to the pathogen, so if the person encounters the real, disease-causing pathogen later on, their immune system can quickly recognize and fight it off, preventing illness or reducing its severity.
The basic steps of how vaccines work are as follows:
- Identification of Antigens - Pathogens have specific molecules on their surface called antigens, which the immune system recognizes as foreign. These antigens trigger the immune response.
- Vaccine Preparation - Scientists identify and isolate the antigens from the pathogen or use weakened or inactivated forms of the pathogen. These antigens become the active component of the vaccine.
- Administration of the Vaccine - The vaccine is administered to an individual, usually through injection, but in some cases, it can be given orally or nasally.
- Immune Response - Once the vaccine is introduced into the body, the immune system recognizes the antigens as foreign and produces specific antibodies and memory cells.
- Memory Cells Formation - Memory cells are long-lasting cells that "remember" the antigen. They remain in the body even after the initial immune response has subsided.
- Immune System Preparedness - If the person is later exposed to the actual pathogen, the immune system recognizes the antigens from the vaccine and quickly mounts a targeted and strong immune response. This helps prevent the person from getting sick or reduces the severity of the illness.
It's important to note that vaccines undergo rigorous testing and evaluation in clinical trials to ensure their safety and effectiveness before they are approved for public use. Additionally, vaccines work at an individual level by protecting the vaccinated person, but they also contribute to community immunity (also known as herd immunity) when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, making it harder for the pathogen to spread, benefiting even those who are not vaccinated, such as individuals who cannot receive vaccines due to medical reasons. Talk to the pharmacist at your local drug store in Powell, TN.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581