How Important Is It For Me To Be Vaccinated Is It Safe
According to the CDC, every year, millions of people get sick and are hospitalized because of vaccine-preventable diseases. Even if you received those painful shots as a child, the immunity rendered by some of these may wear off in the long run. There are also certain professions, travel, or health conditions that make you more susceptible to getting sick because of exposure.
Its important to note that many anti-vaccine stories are spread through social media. Remember that most of these arent based on scientific evidenceand could put you and your loved ones as risk. The World Health Organization cites vaccine hesitancyrefusing or delaying vaccines despite its accessibility to youas one of the biggest threats to global health at the moment. Remember that vaccines are thoroughly tested and it takes many years and so much research for a vaccine to made available. Science has shown over and over again that vaccines workand their side effects, incredibly rare as they areare far less serious that the diseases you can get by not vaccinating.
To best care for yourself and others, dont hesitate to vaccinate. Make sure your vaccines are complete and up-to-date.
Note: The prices for vaccines mentioned above are rough estimates based on diagnostic centers and family clinics. Prices may vary from center to center.
Persons With Chronic Diseases
Asplenia or hyposplenia
Susceptible hyposplenic or asplenic individuals should receive 2 doses of univalent varicella vaccine, at least 3 months apart.
Chronic renal disease and patients on dialysis
Varicella vaccine is recommended for susceptible individuals with chronic renal disease or undergoing dialysis. Two doses of univalent varicella vaccine may be given, at least 3 months apart.
Neurologic disorders
People with conditions such as autism spectrum disorders or demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis should receive all routinely recommended immunizations, including varicella-containing vaccine.
Chronic lung disease
Varicella immunization should be a priority for people with cystic fibrosis because they are at increased risk of complications from varicella infection, which may cause a transient worsening of lung function. Two doses of univalent varicella vaccine may be given, at least 3 months apart.
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Individuals with autoimmune disease not treated with immunosuppressive drugs are not considered significantly immunocompromised and should receive varicella immunization following consultation with their physician. Some rheumatic disease modifying agents such as hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, or auranofin are not considered immunosuppressive, for the purposes of live vaccine administration.
Conditions requiring chronic salicylate therapy
Do I Need To Pay For Chickenpox Immunisation
Vaccines covered by the NIP are free for people who are eligible. See the NIP Schedule to find out which vaccines you or your family are eligible to receive.
Eligible people get the vaccine for free, but your health care provider may charge a consultation fee for the visit. You can check this when you make your appointment.
If you are not eligible for free vaccine, you may need to pay for it. The cost depends on the type of vaccine, the formula and where you buy it from. Your immunisation provider can give you more information.
Recommended Reading: How Long Is Rabies Vaccine Good For Humans
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Chickenpox Immunisation
All medicines and vaccines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time theyre not.
For most people, the chance of having a serious side effect from a vaccine is much lower than the chance of serious harm if you caught the disease.
Talk to your doctor about possible side effects of chickenpox vaccines, or if you or your child have possible side effects that concern you.
Common side effects of chickenpox vaccines include:
- pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in
- rash
- fever.
The Consumer Medicine Information links in How do you get immunised against chickenpox? list the side effects of each vaccine.
What Is The Varicella Vaccine
The varicella vaccine, commonly known as chickenpox, is a common childhood disease which can cause a fever, skin rashes and the breakout of painful fluid-filled blisters on the skin. Most people, according to Cigna, who do receive this vaccination often will not get the chickenpox, and in the case they do, the case is considered to be mild, with very few side effects. The disease is often spread through the air from person to person or by coming into contact with the fluid from a chickenpox blister.
While chickenpox can be mild, there are some instances where it can serious or even fatal for young infants and adults as it can sometimes lead to breathing problems, skin infections, brain damage or worse yet death. A person who has developed chickenpox can often develop shingles later in life, which, similar to chickenpox, can cause nerve pain, skin infection and/or vision/hearing problems, symptoms which can last uncomfortably for months.
The vaccine works by introducing your body to a small dose of the protein from the virus, which will help your body develop an immunity to the disease in the future.
Like all vaccines on the market, it will not provide protection 100 percent and will not cure an active infection.
Don’t Miss: Can I Get Vaccines At Cvs
Child & Adolescent Vaccinations
In cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Immunization Clinic provides free vaccinations to qualifying children from birth through age 18 as a part of the Vaccines For Children program.
In addition, the clinic offers near-cost vaccinations to those ineligible for the Vaccines For Children Program. These vaccinations can be paid through your private insurance provider or personal payment methods.
The Immunization Clinic provides vaccines for the following diseases for children and adolescents:
| Disease |
|---|
How Do You Get Chicken Pox
Chicken pox is extremely contagious. It spreads very quickly from person to person. The most common way the infection is spread is through the air if someone with chicken pox coughs or sneezes. You can also get chicken pox if you touch a blister or the liquid from a blister.
A pregnant woman with chicken pox can pass it on to her unborn baby before birth. Mothers with chicken pox can also give it to their newborn baby after birth.
Also Check: How Many Shingles Vaccines Are There
What Are The Side Effects
The shingles vaccines are very safe.
Common side effects to the vaccines include headache as well as soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Itching and a rash may also occur after getting Zostavax® II. Other reactions that may occur after getting Shingrix® include fever, muscle soreness, fatigue, shivering, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. The chance of true anaphylaxis is about 1 in 1 million vaccine doses. Should this reaction occur, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Learn more about anaphylaxis on our vaccine side effects page.
It is important to always report serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider.
Tetanus Diphtheria Acellular Pertussis
What it protects you against: Diptheria is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease. The Diphtheria bacteria produces a toxin that causes weakness, sore throat, low grade fever, or swollen glands in the neck. In really severe cases however, it can lead to heart failure or paralysis. Pertussis or Whooping Cough is a bacterial respiratory infection that causes prolonged cold symptoms, which can progress to violent coughing and choking that can make it difficult to breathe, drink, or eat. It is most dangerous for babies, who can get it from the adults they are with. Tetanus is an incredibly painful bacterial disease that you can get from cuts or wounds. The tetanus bacteria produces toxins in the body that causes spasms and stiffness, and can lead to locking of the jaw where you cannot open your mouth, swallow, or breathe.For:-All adults aged 19 to 64 whose last vaccine was more than 10 years ago -All adults in close contact with infants less than 12 months -All women of childbearing age before pregnancy or immediately after -All healthcare professionals with direct patient contact. How many shots: One dose Tdap, then Td booster every 10 yearsCost: Approximately P2,500 to P3,000
You May Like: Where To Go For Vaccines
Guidance On Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization
Vaccine providers are asked to report the following AEFI in particular, through local public health officials:
- Varicella that is moderate or severe and occurs within 7 to 21 days of vaccination with varicella-containing vaccine.
- Any serious or unexpected adverse event temporally related to vaccination. An unexpected AEFI is an event that is not listed in available product information but may be due to the immunization, or a change in the frequency of a known AEFI.
Refer to Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization in Canada and Adverse Events Following Immunization in Part 2 for additional information about AEFI reporting.
Persons With Inadequate Immunization Records
Children and adults, who are susceptible to varicella, including those lacking adequate documentation of immunization, should be started on an immunization schedule appropriate for their age and risk factors. Varicella-containing vaccine may be given regardless of possible previous receipt of the vaccine, because adverse events associated with repeated immunization have not been demonstrated. Refer to Immunization of Persons with Inadequate Immunization Records in Part 3 for additional information.
Also Check: What Is The Name For Meningitis Vaccine
How You Can Avoid Paying High Prices For Covid Vaccines
Since the government allocated funds to cover the cost of vaccines during the pandemic, you will likely be able to avoid high fees by getting the vaccine once it is available for your group in the population rather than waiting until after the pandemic. The vaccine should be free for all U.S. adults through the summer of 2021.
In addition, be sure to call the site you plan on getting vaccinated at before getting the vaccine to see if you will need to pay an out-of-pocket cost.
If you are covered by insurance, you should contact your insurance company to determine if they will fully cover the cost of your vaccine.
Varivax Coupons And Rebates
Varivax offers may be in the form of a printable coupon, rebate, savings card, trial offer, or free samples.Some offers may be printed right from a website, others require registration, completing a questionnaire,or obtaining a sample from the doctor’s office.
There are currently no Manufacturer Promotions that we know about for this drug.
Don’t Miss: How Many Vaccines Does The Us Have
What Is The Chickenpox Vaccine
The chickenpox vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you or your child against chickenpox. Itâs given as two injections, usually in the upper arm or thigh.
The vaccine contains a small amount of the weakened varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox. This isnât enough virus to give you chickenpox but is enough for your immune system to develop a defence against the virus. Your immune system remembers these antibodies and can produce them again, making you resistant to the virus.
You need to be over the age of 18 to book your own vaccination appointment but a parent or legal guardian can book the appointment for you if you’re under 18. They will also need to come with you to your appointment.
This content was written and edited by Well. Our health information is evidence based, up-to-date and reviewed by health professionals. It isnât intended to replace the medical information given to you by your doctor.
We aim to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to make confident decisions about your health and wellbeing.
Who Should Not Get The Shingles Vaccine
If you are getting Shingrix®, speak with your health care provider if you have had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any part of the vaccine.
If you are getting Zostavax® II, speak with a health care provider if you:
- Have had a life-threatening reaction to any part of the vaccine including gelatin or neomycin
- Have an immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment
- Have active, untreated tuberculosis
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for 3 months after getting Zostavax® II
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns, speak with your health care provider.
Recommended Reading: How Much To Get A Kitten Vaccinated
Who Should Get The Shingles Vaccine
Shingrix® is recommended for adults 50 years of age and older. This includes those who have had shingles or received Zostavax® II. You should wait at least 1 year before getting Shingrix® if you had shingles or received Zostavax® II.
Zostavax® II may be given to adults 50 years of age and older who cannot get Shingrix® due to a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any part of the vaccine.
Side Effects Of The Varicella Vaccine
- Mild symptoms may include redness or soreness at the injection site, a mild rash and/or a mild to moderate fever.
- Severe symptoms, albeit rare, can include a seizure, pneumonia, a difficult time breathing, wheezing, hives, paleness, fast heartbeat and/or dizziness.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your medical professional immediately.
Source: CDC
Don’t Miss: How Many People Have Been Vaccinated In Kentucky
How Can I Get The Shingles Vaccine
You can buy the shingles vaccine at most pharmacies and travel clinics. Shingrix® is given as a series of 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart, and costs about $150/dose. Zostavax® II is given as 1 dose and costs about $200. Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of the vaccine check with your provider.
If you buy the vaccine at a travel clinic, a doctor or nurse on site will be able to immunize you. Most pharmacists in B.C. are also able to immunize.
If you want to be immunized by your doctor, find out if they have a supply of the shingles vaccine.
Common And Local Adverse Events
Univalent varicella vaccine
Reactions to univalent varicella vaccine are generally mild and include injection site pain, swelling and redness in 10% to 20% of recipients. A low-grade fever has been documented in 10% to 15% of vaccine recipients. A varicella-like rash occurs at the injection site or is generalized in 3% to 5% of vaccine recipients after the first dose. The rash usually appears within 5 to 26 days after immunization. As varicella-like rashes that occur within the first 2 weeks after immunization may be caused by wild-type virus , health care providers should obtain specimens from the vaccine recipient to determine whether or not the rash is due to a natural varicella infection or to the vaccine-derived strain.
The safety profile of a 2 dose regimen is comparable to that of a single dose with slightly higher incidence of injection site reactions observed within 3 days after vaccination and slightly lower incidence of fever and varicella-like rash after dose 2 compared to dose 1.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Vaccine vaccine
Varicella zoster immunoglobulin
Reactions to VarIg are rare. The most frequent treatment related adverse events are pain at the injection site , headache , and rash .
Rubella-containing vaccines
Don’t Miss: Why Is My Arm Sore After The Vaccine Shot
How Do You Get Shingles
Shingles is a disease that can affect anyone who has had chickenpox. There’s no way of knowing who will get shingles. There are risk factors that can give people an idea if they are at risk for developing shingles.
Advanced age is a major risk for this disease. The risk of getting it increases with age. Around half of the cases of shingles are diagnosed in adults 60 and older.
Persons who are older than 70 have the highest risk of getting shingles. Persons who have trouble fighting infections are also at risk. An HIV infection can also put a person at risk for shingles.
A person that has cancer of the bone marrow or lymphatic system shouldn’t get this vaccine. People undergoing radiation or chemotherapy need to refrain too.
You should know that shingles is not contagious. It can’t be transmitted from one person to another. Still, precautions need to be taken.
People who have never had chickenpox can get chickenpox from a person who has shingles. If you haven’t had chickenpox or aren’t sure if you had it, make sure to stay away from anyone who has shingles.
If you have shingles, you need to stay away from others. Avoid being around people with a weak immune system. People who have a poor immune system are highly susceptible to this disease.
There are several things that people with shingles can do to help reduce another person’s risk of getting chickenpox. Cover the shingles rash as direct contact with the fluid from the rash blisters can cause chickenpox.
Varicella Epidemiology In Canada
In the pre-vaccine era, approximately 350,000 varicella cases were estimated to occur each year in Canada. However, assessing the effect of varicella immunization programs on the incidence of varicella is difficult because varicella infections are significantly under-reported, less than 10% of the expected cases being reported through the Canadian Notifiable Disease Surveillance System annually.
A review of data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information for 1994 to 2000 showed that over 1,550 varicella hospitalizations occur annually for all age groups. Information on pediatric hospitalized cases and deaths are available from the Immunization Monitoring Program, ACTive for the periods 1990 to 1996 and 1999 to 2009. These data indicate that the majority of hospitalizations occur in previously healthy children. For the most recent period, 1999 to 2009, a total of 2,297 pediatric varicella related hospitalizations were reported from 12 sites across Canada, averaging 208 hospitalizations annually for children age up to 16. Among these cases, children at pre-school ages were affected mostly and accounted for 14% and 66% of the total hospitalizations, respectively. Since the public funded vaccine programs began in 2004 in Canada, the annual hospitalizations of varicella dropped from 288 to 114 .
Read Also: When Does A Child Get Vaccinated For Meningitis