Getting vaccines from Choice Family Pharmacy is a convenient way to protect yourself and others from preventable diseases. Vaccines are available on a walk-in basis without the need for an appointment. Pharmacists are trained to administer vaccines safely and with a gentle approach providing patients with ease of mind and comfort. Overall, getting a vaccine from Choice Family Pharmacy is a convenient and reliable option, with pharmacists ensuring a gentle and professional approach to the vaccination process.
Prior to and during the administration of any vaccination, patients are advised to take the following steps to guarantee their safety:
It is important to inform the pharmacist of any food or drug allergies.
Patients should notify their doctor if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Prior to vaccination, patients should discuss their medical history and current medications with the pharmacist.
Individuals with a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or cancer should consult their healthcare provider before receiving vaccinations.
To access detailed information on each vaccine, please utilize the drop-down menus provided below:
Influenza / Flu (Fluad/Alfuria)
The influenza vaccine is strongly advised for various reasons, such as mitigating the transmission of influenza and alleviating the intensity of associated symptoms..
It is recommended to receive this vaccine annually prior to the onset of flu season.
Possible side effects may include discomfort at the injection site, slight fever, fatigue, and muscle pains.
Fluad is used for individuals aged 65 years or older while the Alfuria vaccine is used for individuals aged 6 months to 65 years old.
COVID-19 (Spikevax/Comirnaty)
Individuals 6 months and older are advised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer)
Children 6 months to 5 years and first series of COVID vaccination are recommended to get a booster dose 8 weeks after the first vaccination per the CDC. Adults who have received the initial 2 vaccinations may get boosters every 4 months at this time. These recommendations may change when additional new information is available.
Typical side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine encompass injection site soreness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These effects are generally mild and typically resolve within a few days.
Shingles (Shingrix/Zoster)
The CDC recommends that adults aged 50 years and older get vaccinated against shingles. Some may choose to get the shingles vaccine proactively, especially if they are at higher risk due to factors like age or health conditions.
To prevent spreading the shingles virus to vulnerable individuals, those frequently around people with weakened immune systems should consider getting the vaccine. Individuals who have had shingles in the past can still benefit from getting vaccinated to help prevent future occurrences.
Please be advised to anticipate potential mild side effects, such as redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site.
Please ensure to return for your booster dose between 2 to 6 months after receiving your initial vaccine. It is important to return within this timeframe, as failure to do so may necessitate restarting the vaccination regimen.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Whooping Cough / TDaP (Adacel)
The Tdap vaccination aids in preventing the transmission of these severe diseases to others, particularly vulnerable infants. It also enhances immunity against these diseases, which may wane over time.
It is recommended to receive the Tdap vaccination during each pregnancy, ideally between 27-36 weeks of gestation, as well as for any adults who will have contact with the newborn.
Adults who have not previously received the Tdap vaccination should do so, followed by Td boosters every 10 years.
Common side effects may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue. While severe side effects are uncommon, seek medical attention if you experience significant reactions such as breathing difficulties or facial swelling.
Pneumococcal Pneumonia (Prevnar 20)
For adults 65 years and older, it is recommended to get the pneumonia vaccine. For individuals with certain medical conditions or a weakened immune system, vaccination may be advised at a younger age.
Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as redness or soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. It is important for patients to follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding the pneumonia vaccine and to seek medical advice if they have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms after vaccination.
Respiratory Synctial Virus / RSV (Abrysvo)
The RSV vaccination is crucial for safeguarding against severe respiratory illnesses, particularly in infants and young children. Vaccination usually occurs during the RSV season, typically spanning late fall to early spring, varying by region.
The age at which individuals should get vaccinated for RSV can vary depending on their risk factors and health status. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for high-risk individuals, including premature infants, children with chronic lung or heart conditions, and older adults with underlying health concerns.
Possible side effects of the RSV vaccination may include mild symptoms such as redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, or irritability. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions. It is essential to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with a healthcare provider before receiving the RSV vaccination.
What to Expect:
Upon your arrival at the pharmacy, you may request an Immunization Consent Form from any member of our staff. Upon your completion of the form, we will run the vaccine through your insurance, similar to all other prescriptions. If you are new to our pharmacy, please bring your insurance cards with you.
Subsequently, a signature will be required at the point of sale, and a copayment may be requested. Prior to the administration of the vaccine, we will notify you of any copayment due.
The pharmacist will then escort you to the vaccination area for the vaccine administration. Should additional booster shots be necessary, the pharmacist will provide the recommended return dates.
We advise you to stay in the pharmacy for 15 minutes post-vaccination to monitor for any adverse reactions. If you prefer not to remain in the pharmacy, it is advisable to have someone accompany you in case of a negative reaction.