Vaccines and Injections
Vaccines and injections are important!
Our childhood was full of vaccines that worked efficiently against many diseases and viruses, including polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, influenza, and many others. Also, some injections, such as vitamin B12, are vital and extremely important for some patients, as we will discuss.
Ogden Pharmacy offers several vaccines and injections, including but not limited to the following:
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A vaccine is a vaccine that protects against the hepatitis A virus. The virus is a serious liver infection that can cause death. The vaccine is given to children aged one year and older and adults at risk for the virus. The vaccine is given as a series of two shots, six to twelve months apart. The first shot is given at the age of one year, and the second shot is given at the age of four.
The vaccine is also given to adults at risk for the virus, such as those sexually active with multiple partners, those with liver disease, or those travelling to countries where the virus is common. The vaccine is safe and effective and the best way to prevent hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine is a vaccine that protects against the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The vaccine is given as an injection (shot) and is usually given to babies at birth, but it can also be given to adults and children at risk for HBV infection.
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and is the only vaccine that protects against all four types of hepatitis B virus. The vaccine is recommended for all babies at birth and for adults and children who are at risk for HBV infection, such as people with HIV/AIDS, people who have liver disease, people who have had a liver transplant, people who have had unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis B, and people who inject drugs.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus infection. HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses, some of which can lead to cancer, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the vulva, vagina, and penis.
The HPV vaccine is available in two forms:
- The quadrivalent HPV vaccine protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 and is recommended for both males and females aged 9-26.
- The bivalent HPV vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18 and is recommended for females aged 9-26.
The HPV vaccine is most effective before an individual becomes sexually active. The HPV vaccine is a series of three shots over six months. Many insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious disease that can cause death. It is caused by bacteria that is found in the environment, usually in soil or animal feces. The bacteria enter the body through a cut or wound and produce a toxin that affects the nervous system. Tetanus is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
The tetanus vaccine is given as a series of shots, usually starting at birth. The vaccine protects against tetanus by causing the body to produce antibodies that kill the bacteria. The vaccine is very effective and is the best way to prevent tetanus.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat. It can cause severe respiratory problems and, in some cases, death. The diphtheria vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against this disease. The vaccine is usually given as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.
Pneumonia (Pneumovax)
Pneumonia (Pneumovax) vaccine is a vaccine that protects against the bacteria that cause pneumonia. It is recommended for all adults over 65 and people of any age with certain medical conditions that increase their risk for pneumonia. The vaccine is given as a single shot and is usually given every five years.
Adacel (for pregnant women)
Adacel is a vaccine used in pregnant women as an intramuscular injection. The vaccine is to help protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Adacel is given in three doses, the first of which is given during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, with the second and third doses given at least four weeks apart. There is no maximum interval between doses.
COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) and Moderna vaccine (Spikevax)
COVID-19 vaccines than others are no different than other vaccines.
The Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines are used against COVID-19 or the new coronavirus. Both are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, which means that once injected into the body, they stimulate the body to produce proteins similar to the spikes around the new coronavirus. So the body produces those proteins, but the immune system is unaware of this trick. Therefore, the immune system attacks those newly produced spike-like proteins and learns what best suit those new intruders.
When the real COVID virus attacks the body, it will recognize the protein spikes of the virus. And the body will produce the same antibody that was produced after the vaccine was administered to help the body fight off the virus.
Both vaccines are given as an injection into the muscle (normally the deltoid). They are given in two doses, three weeks apart (normally), and booster doses, based on the recommendations of Alberta Health Services, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Both vaccines are highly effective against severe symptoms and hospitalization.
Boosters are needed since the coronavirus keeps evolving, so vaccine efficiency decreases with successive variants.
Ogden Pharmacy at Lynnwood, Ogden, Calgary, provides Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for adults and kids 12 years old and above.
You can do a walk-in at 7 – 1603 62 Avenue SE, Calgary, OR reserve using the button below.
Flu
The flu vaccine is a yearly vaccine that helps protect against the influenza virus. The influenza virus is a respiratory virus that can cause severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia, and can be fatal. The influenza vaccine helps protect against the three most common virus strains expected to circulate each season.
The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu and can help prevent serious health problems.
The best time to get your flu shot is in October before the flu season begins. Yet, it is still beneficial to get the vaccine later in the season.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) and most independent pharmacies each year offer free seasonal flu shots that your Alberta Health Care Card covers.
Shingrix (against Shingles)
The Shingrix vaccine is a new vaccine that was just released in 2017. It is over 90% effective in preventing shingles, a very painful skin rash that can occur in people who have previously had chickenpox. The Shingrix vaccine is given in two doses, two to six months apart. It is recommended for people over 50, as this age group is most likely to develop shingles.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement and a prescription medication. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.
Vitamin B12 injections are used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur when your body does not have enough vitamin B12 to perform its functions, does not absorb vitamin B12 properly, or has certain medical conditions that prevent your body from using vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 injections are usually given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin). The injection is usually given in the upper arm. A small needle injects vitamin B12 into the muscle or under the skin.
Vitamin B12 injections are usually given on a schedule of one injection per week for six weeks, followed by one injection per month for life.
Please call us at 587-391-9878, use the Facebook Messenger Chatbot (the down right of this page), or use our WhatsApp Chat (the down left of this page) to ask us about vaccines and injections availability.