Vaccine Season

It’s that time of year again to start thinking about your vaccines going into the winter season. According to the CDC, peak “flu” season in the United States is from December – February, but it begins as early as October, and can extend as late as May. Now is a great time to get that annual flu shot and start building your immunity.

A new vaccine to consider this year for some is the RSV vaccine. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a viral infection that can have symptoms similar to flu, but with an emphasis on the lungs. Children under the age of two years, adults over the age of 60, or anyone with certain underlying health conditions are at a greater risk. RSV left untreated can develop into bronchitis, pneumonia, or other life-threatening conditions. Native American babies are particularly at greater risk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “RSV-associated hospitalization rates among Native American children have been among the highest in the world”.

If you are an adult over the age of 50 and haven’t gotten your “shingles” vaccine this can be one to consider. Shingles is a viral infection that brings on a painful skin rash. According to the CDC, the incidence of shingles annually in the U.S. is four cases per 1,000 people. Among people over 60 years old, it is about one case per 100 U.S. population annually. The shingles vaccine, called Shingrix is a one-time vaccine delivered as a 2-dose series, with the second shot administered two to six months after the first shot. 

Whether it be any of the vaccines already mentioned in this article, or others such as the pneumonia vaccine, or the latest COVID-19 booster you can get caught up with all of your vaccine needs at either of the Mille Lacs Health System Community Pharmacies in Onamia or Isle. Adults 18 years and older can walk into either pharmacy and take care of their vaccine needs. To save potential wait time there is a convenient way to schedule vaccine appointments for the pharmacies online at https://pharmacyfinder.rxlocal.com/pharmacyFinder/. Appointments cannot be scheduled on the same day, as they do require 24-hour advance notice.

A combination of a variety of vaccines can be given at the same time, the pharmacist can help determine that for you.

For children (anyone 18 years and under) in need of vaccines, please schedule a clinic appointment with a provider. Call 320-532-3154 to schedule an appointment.

For adults with scheduled clinic appointments for another reason, many vaccines can still be requested at that time as well.