Jewel Osco Pharmacy

Immunizations help protect adults against disease, disability and death. Each year in the United States, as many as 50,000 to 70,000 adults die from vaccine-preventable diseases or their complications.

Our award-winning Adult Immunization Program was recognized by the National Partnership for Immunization (NPI) for increasing immunization rates among adults in communities served by our pharmacies. Our pharmacists are in a unique position of being readily accessible to the public with special skills to administer vaccines, and helping to improve the quality of life of many patients.

Our specially trained pharmacists can provide the following Adult Immunizations (generally ages 14 and up, that varies by state) by walk-in or appointment:

Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)

This annual vaccination offered each fall is for anyone who wants to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill with the flu. The vaccine is especially recommended for those at high risk such as: adults 50 years of age and older, pregnant women in any trimester, those with heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, kidney problems, caregivers or household contacts of children aged <6 months, and those with weakened immune systems. Also, people in close contact with high risk patients should receive a flu shot.

Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (FluMist)

This is an influenza vaccine that is given as a mist into the nose. This vaccine is will only be given to healthy adults aged 18-49 years old, or to healthy children and adolescents 9-17 years old. A prescription may be required from your doctor. Certain people must not get this vaccine. Ask if FluMist is right for you.

Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia)

This one-time vaccination drastically decreases a patient's risk of pneumococcal disease which causes bacterial meningitis and pneumonia. All adults 65 years and older should receive the vaccination as well as those aged 2 to 64 who have a chronic illness such as diabetes, cardiac disease, renal failure, or pulmonary disease. Also at high risk of a fatal pnuemococcal infection are those with weakened immune systems. Certain people may need to be revaccinated with this vaccine 5 years after receiving their first dose, check with your pharmacist for details.

Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine (Td)

This vaccine should be received by all adolescents and adults. Scrapes from gardening tools, splinters from home renovations, animal bites, body piercings, tattoos and post-surgerical wounds can all lead to tetanus. Diphtheria is still a public health problem in 87 countries, and the bacteria may still circulate in some parts of the U.S. and Canada. Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria infections for ten years. If it has been ten years since your last "dip-tet," then it is time to repeat this vaccination!

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)*

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system that causes spasms of severe coughing. It is spread through airborne droplets of an infected person's cough or sneeze. The first symptoms of pertussis are similar to the "common cold" with a mild fever, runny nose and a cough. Immunity from childhood vaccination generally wears off after five to 10 years, leaving adolescents and adults susceptible to this highly contagious disease. Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus and diphtheria along with pertussis.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B infects 140,000 to 320,000 people each year, and your risk of infection can be drastically decreased by this vaccination series. This vaccination requires a three-dose series to be effective. The first dose is given and the following two doses are given at 1 month and then 6 months later. Adolescents and young adults should receive this series as well as some healthcare workers.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

This two-dose vaccination requires the first dose to be followed by a second dose at 6-18 months. This series should be given to food handlers and all those who travel outside of the U.S. (except for Western Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Japan). Also at risk for infection are those with chronic liver disease.

Meningococcal Vaccine (Meningitis)

This vaccination is for anyone over the age of two who have risk factors for a meningitis infection. Especially at risk are college freshmen living in dormitories, people with anatomic or functional asplenia, military recruits during basic training, and travelers to the "meningitis belt" of Africa and Asia. There are currently two vaccines available against meningococcal disease. Check with your pharmacist to see which vaccine is right for you.

Shingles - Zoster Vaccine (Zostavax)

Shingles is a rash that is usually on one side of the body. The rash begins as a cluster of small red spots that often blister. The rash can be painful. Shingles rashes usually last up to 30 days, and for most people the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus can live, but remain inactive, in one or more nerve roots in your body for many years. Age and problems with your immune system may increase your risk of getting shingles. This vaccine is for patients age 60 or older, but only your health care provider can decide if ZOSTAVAX is right for you.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (Gardasil)

HPV is a common virus. In 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had this virus. There are many different types of HPV. Some cause no harm; others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people, the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away, it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.

GARDASIL, a vaccine to help prevent complications from HPV, is given as 3 injections over 6 months and is for girls and women ages 9 to 26. GARDASIL works when given before you have any contact with HPV. If you've already been infected with HPV, you may still benefit from GARDASIL because it is unlikely that you have been infected with all 4 types of the virus covered by the vaccine. Your doctor or healthcare professional can help you understand more.

GARDASIL will not treat cervical cancer and genital warts, and will not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types.

If you're not sure which immunizations you've already had or which immunizations you may need, call your health care provider, local health department, or pharmacist. Some immunizations require a prescription, and your pharmacist can call your health care provider if necessary. Ask at the pharmacy for more information.

For more information or to find the nearest immunizing pharmacy call 1-800-783-0458.