Skip the Doctor for Shots, however Don’t Skip the Flu Vaccine, Says Pharmacist Andrew Gyorda
There is no doubting the importance of vaccinations, whether it is the annual flu shot (with influenza season rapidly approaching) or other vaccinations meant to prevent a variety of dangerous illnesses including bacterial pneumonia. However, while you might think you need to book a trip to your doctor in order to receive an immunization or seasonal vaccination, that is not the case, according to Andrew Gyorda, a pharmacist who operates Hollis Pharmacy in Hollis, NH.
In fact, you do not even need an appointment in many cases to get a vaccine from a certified immunization pharmacist and your health insurance may cover the full cost. If you’re of age or a senior, you can receive a flu shot, as well as vaccinations against pneumococcal infections (pneumonia) and Herpes zoster (shingles), which is a painful rash that develops typically in older adults that have previously had chicken pox. Most recently, the state of New Hampshire has also authorized qualified pharmacists to administer a COVID-19 vaccine once it has been made available, adds pharmacist Gyorda. That is in addition to the availability of COVID-19 screening performed in some state pharmacies.
Vaccinations Should Not be Skipped
The flu vaccination has been shown to have an effectiveness of 40 to 60%. However, along with potentially avoiding an illness from the influenza virus that kills up to 61,000 people each season according to the same source, getting a flu shot also can also mean avoiding the need for a hospital stay if you do become ill. Should you require hospital admission, the average stay is shorter, and the outcomes better, if you have been vaccinated. The flu shot can also help protect you if you have chronic health conditions such as heart and lung disease.
There is some research that suggests getting a flu shot will help reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. In addition, says Andrew Gyorda, skipping the flu vaccine can mean overloading the hospital system that is already dealing with the current pandemic. There is also the possibility of having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which would be extremely challenging to your immune system. Getting either the flu or COVID-19 can open the door to getting the other virus.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and older as well as any adults with underlying health conditions are at risk of developing pneumonia. The vaccine, which is safe to get at the same time as the flu shot, is also recommended if you are a smoker. Pneumonia can range in severity and in some cases in can be deadly. For older patients, pneumococcal disease can lead to long-term health complications including brain damage.
Trust Your Pharmacist for Immunizations
According to Andrew Gyorda, you may be wasting valuable time booking an appointment with your doctor for immunizations when you can walk into most pharmacies for the same service, delivered by a highly trained and certified professional. You do not need a prescription from a family doctor to get a vaccination from a pharmacist, he adds.
