SHINGLES
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus can live, but remain inactive, in your body. If it becomes active again, usually later in life, it can cause Shingles. If you've had chickenpox, there is no way to predict if you'll get Shingles. What's more, the inactive virus usually has no signs or symptoms. So Shingles can appear at any time without warning.

It is estimated that over 1 million people get shingles in the United States every year.  Of these, 40% to 50% are over the age of 60.  Approval of a new vaccine to prevent shingles has recently been made in this county.  Zostavax is approved for people over 60.  Come by speak to the pharmacists at Denton Drug if you are interested in this immunization.

*If you have an allergy to neomycin or gelatin, it is suggested that you do not receive this shot.  For more information, speak with the pharmacist on duty at Denton Drug. 

FLU
Each year the winter months bring a new season of influenza and pneumonia to all areas of our country.  Denton Drug offers preventative inoculations for these diseases during September and October each year.  Shots are given in the arm by a trained professional.  You can receive both shots on the same day, one in each arm.

The flu virus changes annually, resulting in a different strain.  Therefore, Denton Drug obtains the latest vaccine prior to the beginning of flu season, making it available before you are exposed to the virus.  They are effective for one year.

Currently the Center of Disease Control recommends that the following groups receive the Pneumococcal Vaccination:

• Persons aged 65 or older

• Persons aged 2-64 who have chronic illness such as chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease (but not asthma), diabetes, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks

• Persons aged 2-64 who lack a functioning spleen (those with sickle cell disease or splenectomy)

• Persons aged 2-64 who are living in special environments in which there is a higher risk for severe pneumococcal disease (Alaskan Natives, certain American Indian populations, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities)

• Persons aged 2 or older with compromised immune systems including those with HIV
  

*If you have an allergy to eggs, it is suggested that you do not receive this shot. For more information, speak with the pharmacist on duty at Denton Drug.

PNUEMONIA
Each year in the United States, pneumococcal disease, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, accounts for an estimated 3,000 cases of meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal cord), 50,000 cases of bacteremia (infection in the blood), 500,000 cases of pneumonia, and seven million cases of otitis media (ear infections). Fatalities are highest among those with bacteremia and meningitis. Among elderly with pneumococcal bacteremia, the mortality rate is 30 to 40 percent.

Pneumococcal vaccinations generally need to be given only once. If there is uncertainty about earlier vaccinations, the vaccine should be administered to anyone 65 or older or anyone else in the high-risk groups. 

*If you have an allergy to eggs, it is suggested that you do not receive this shot.  For more information, speak with the pharmacist on duty at Denton Drug. 

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