Now is a good time to check in and make sure your entire family is protected from infectious diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help produce protective antibodies that fight infection. It is understood that timely routine vaccination, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), can prevent about 4 million deaths every year, but only one in five adults is vaccinated Latest vaccines.
Convenience, accessibility and a lack of trust are all underlying reasons for lower vaccination numbers in certain demographic groups and geographic areas. Community pharmacies and clinics, such as the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and The Little Clinic, have become a convenient option for people to find the care they need outside of traditional settings. These facilities offer a range of high-quality services, including medication counseling, health screenings and immunizations.
Routine preventive care, including vaccinations, can occur at various points throughout the year and is not limited to a single season. Certain groups, such as people 60 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and some minority groups, are at greater risk for certain infections, so they are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccinations and boosters throughout the year. (For children under 5 years of age, consult your local pharmacist or clinician for vaccine guidelines.)
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. Influenza, commonly known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs and can cause severe illness, hospitalization, or death. The predominant flu strains are constantly changing, and the protective effect of a single flu vaccine decreases over time. To reduce the risk of getting or spreading the flu, it’s important to get a flu shot every year.
Retail pharmacies and clinics hold a unique position in the local communities they serve and are deeply committed to vaccine education and promotion. In addition to providing protection against diseases like the flu, vaccines can also provide protection against diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), measles, RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), COVID-19, and more. By providing people with consistent, factual information, retail pharmacies and clinics empower them to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their loved ones.
Research shows that schools and colleges have the potential to generate higher rates of disease transmission due to the closer proximity of people in buildings, affecting all age groups from students to staff and teachers. When students are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, their absence from school due to illness is reduced, allowing them to fully participate in classroom activities and maximize their learning potential.
Ensuring children are up to date on vaccinations also creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to check in on their own preventive health. The National Institutes of Health states that vaccine-preventable diseases cost the country approximately $27 billion in lost wages and increased medical costs each year. Missing out on routine immunizations can result in missed work and medical expenses, leaving people unable to feed and care for their families.
Unlike some traditional medical facilities, retail pharmacies and clinics are easily accessible. They are often located within local communities and operate extended hours to fit busy schedules, giving people flexibility to vaccinate their families. In fact, 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. Options such as Kroger Co. Pharmacy and other retail pharmacies have established vaccine clinics at their pharmacy and clinic locations, making vaccination a seamless and convenient part of the health care experience they provide.
Annual Gallup polls consistently show that pharmacists and nurse practitioners are among the most trusted people in healthcare. Healthcare professionals in retail pharmacies and clinics are rigorously trained and have in-depth knowledge of vaccines, proper storage and handling, and administration techniques. These professionals contribute to patient confidence and the health of the entire community.
Retail providers disseminate accurate information about vaccines and address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation within local communities. By prioritizing proactive vaccinations, retail pharmacies create an environment that supports the overall well-being of students, teachers, staff and families, helping communities live healthier lives.
To learn more about annual vaccination requirements, visit kroger.com/vaccinations or plan a visit to your local pharmacy or clinic.