Content about Vaccination

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — With at least a dozen states reporting confirmed cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, during the first three weeks of January, MinuteClinic is urging parents and guardians to obtain a DTaP shot (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) for unvaccinated children under 7 years old.  Booster shots, known as Tdap, also are encouraged for all pre-teens, teens and adults.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday expanded its offering of immunizations that provide protection against pertussis (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-Tdap vaccine) to all of its more than 580 pharmacies throughout Illinois with no appointment necessary.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week from Dec. 4 to 10, CVS/pharmacy and its in-store health clinic business, MinuteClinic, are reminding families to "vaccinate before they celebrate" the holidays and receive their annual flu shot before the flu season peaks.

NEW YORK — Cases of whooping cough have been increasing in the Milwaukee area, according to published reports.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the bacterial infection known medically as pertussis is spreading among kids at school districts in Wisconsin, citing public health officials as saying that new, stronger vaccines may be needed.

PHILADELPHIA — A hand and respiratory hygiene program including frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer helped reduce illness caused by influenza A, and reduced the number of missed school days in elementary school children, according to a study in the November issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

I know this older guy at my gym — I call him “The Professor,” mostly because he used to teach journalism, but also because it’s more fun to say and easier to remember than his actual name. He’s 85 now, and he says if he doesn’t get to the club to swim laps and sit in the steam room at least three times a week, he feels like he’s doing something wrong. He says he feels the same way about flu shots and all vaccinations for that matter.


SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Pharmacists Association and PrescribeWellness have launched a partnership designed to boost flu vaccination rates, the CPhA said Wednesday.

The "One Million More" flu shot campaign aims to increase the year-over-year influenza vaccination rate by 1 million immunizations by donating communication materials to flu shot administrators so that they can educate patients about the importance and ease of getting a flu shot.

ATLANTA — An advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all boys ages 11 and 12 years old get vaccinated against human papillomavirus, the CDC said Tuesday.

The agency said the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted for recommending routine vaccination of boys with three doses of HPV4 to protect against the virus. The vaccination is able to prevent such HPV-related conditions as cancer and prevent the spread of the virus to sexual partners. The recommendation is still subject to the CDC's approval, the agency said.

BOSTON — This year’s jump in measles in the United States and Canada was costly and occurred among unvaccinated children and adults, suggested several studies being presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America here Thursday.

WASHINGTON — Flu activity in the United States for the 2011-2012 season currently is low, making it an ideal time for Americans to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Price Chopper is giving free flu vaccines to victims of Hurricane Irene, the supermarket chain said.

Price Chopper, which was the first supermarket pharmacy in New York to certify pharmacists to administer flu shots, is sponsoring free flu vaccination clinics at a local church in Schoharie, N.Y. The first clinic was on Saturday, and another will follow this coming Saturday. Participants also will receive free deli lunches. Other clinics will take place across the six states in which the chain operates, though the company did not give details.

NEW YORK — Rite Aid kicked off its "Rite Aid Shield Yourself, New York" event Wednesday morning at New York's Grand Central Terminal, offering flu vaccinations delivered by Rite Aid pharmacists to the thousands of commuters passing through the Midtown Manhattan train station.