Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) Protecting yourself against the flu is important as always, but this respiratory virus season, experts are recommending Americans think beyond the flu shot and make sure they are protected against the range of respiratory illnesses that can lead to serious complications.
“We want people to think about four different respiratory illnesses as we’re heading into this respiratory season. And these are flu, RSV, COVID, and pneumonia. These are different illnesses. And getting just your flu shot, for example, will not protect you against all four. So depending on your age, health condition, or other risk factors, you may be eligible for more than one vaccine.”
Nadia Ahmad, Pharm.D., with the American Pharmacists Association, says pharmacists are accessible immunization experts, and consulting with your pharmacist can help answer questions about which vaccines are best for you, and even save you time by administering multiple vaccines in the same visit.
“I want people to think of your pharmacist as your vaccination partner. We have long been on the front line of vaccination, protecting lives and strengthening communities… We are highly accessible, open mostly on evenings and weekends and bring in all your question.
What we do is we look at your age, health conditions, lifestyle risk factors, your vaccination history, your travel plans–and based on that, we recommend vaccines meeting you where you are. So bring in your questions, even if you’re unsure, and get yourself and your family protected; get the recommended vaccines.”
