At Phipps Pharmacy, the Pharmacy Doctors provide immunizations to their patients as a tool for disease prevention and management. Influenza (commonly referred to as the flu), pneumonia, and shingles are three illnesses that can be prevented through immunizations. The Phipps Pharmacy location in McKenzie is currently offering the shingles vaccine. However, all three vaccines are available at the Phipps Pharmacy locations on Channing Way and Hughes Drive in Jackson. You may also ask your Pharmacy Doctor about vaccines for oversea travels.

The flu is a contagious respiratory infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus. The flu usually begins abruptly, with a fever between 102° and 106°F. (An adult typically has a lower fever than a child.) Other common symptoms include a flushed face, body aches, chills, headache, nausea, and lack of energy. The fever usually lasts for a day or two, but can last as long as 5 days. On average, every year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from the flu virus. The virus typically emerges in early September and lasts through March, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Research shows that by getting vaccinated, the influenza illness is prevented in 70%-90% of healthy adults under age 65.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and can be caused as a result of the flu having weakened the body’s immune system. The severity can depend greatly on your age as well as your overall health. Of the 200,000 people admitted to hospitals every year with flu symptoms, nearly 40,000 die due to the pneumonia virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that people with increased susceptibility to infection or are 64 years of age or older should be immunized for pneumonia. For most patients, the pneumonia vaccine only needs to be administered once.

Some patients may benefit from the administration of Zostavax®to help prevent shingles. Shingles is an outbreak on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles often begins with a burning or tingling pain followed several days later with a rash of fluid-filled blisters. The most common location for shingles is a band spanning one side of the trunk around the waistline. The pain of shingles can range from mild to intense and can last up to 30 days; anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles. A onetime dose of Zostavax ® can prevent shingles and should be considered for adults 60 years of age or older, who have previously contracted the chickenpox virus.

The purpose of Phipps Pharmacy is to service the health care needs of patients by the provision of pharmacy and home medical services. We take great pride in being known for providing exceptional preventative care to our patients. Contact the staff at Phipps Pharmacy for more information regarding which immunizations may be beneficial to you.