January 3, 2024 Issue, Page 7 of 8

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January 3, 2024 The Elk City News - 7 FAMILY FEATUR over time. To reduce the risk ofgetting or spreading clinic locations, making vaccinations confidence oftheir patients and the health of the ow is a good time to check in and make sure the flu, it’s important to get a yearly flu vaccination a seamless and convenient part ofthe community at large. Ne entire family is protected from infec- Retail pharmacies and clinics hold a unique posi- healthcare experience they provide. Retail providers disseminate accurate infor- tious diseases. tion in the local communities they serve and are Annual Gallup Polls consistently mation about vaccines and address vaccine According to the Centers for Disease Control and deeply committed to vaccine education and outreach. show pharmacists and nurse prac- hesitancy and misinformation within their Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective anti- In addition to providing protection against illnesses titioners are among the most trusted local communities. By prioritizing proactive bodies that fight off infections, Timely routine vaccina- such as influenza, vaccines also offer protection people in the medical field. Healthcare vaccinations, retail pharmacies create an envi- tions, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubeola) and against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken professionals at retail pharmacies and ronment that supports the overall well-being Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), are known to pox), measles, RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), clinics undergo rigorous training and of students, teachers, staff and families alike, prevent around 4 million deaths annually, yet only 1 in COVID-19 and more. By equipping people with possess in-depth knowledge about helping communities live healthier lives. 5 adults are up to date on their vaccines. consistent, factual information, retail pharmacies and vaccines, proper storage and handling To learn more about annual vaccination Convenience, accessibility and lack oftrust all clinics empower them to make informed decisions as well as administration techniques. needs, visit kroger.com/vaccinations or plan a play fundamental parts in why vaccination numbers. about their health and the health of their loved ones. These professionals contribute to the visit to a local pharmacy or clinic. are low across some demographic groups and Research shows schools and colleges have the geographic regions. Community pharmacies and potential to cultivate a higher disease transmission rate clinics, such as the Kroger Family of Companies’ that affects all ages, from students to staff and teach- Pharmacies and The Little Clinic, have emerged as ers, due to the proximity of people within buildings accessible and convenient options for people seeking When students are protected against vaccine-prevent- Stay Up-To-Date on Recommended Vaccines needed healthcare services outside of traditional able illnesses, they experience fewer absences due to ‘Check the boxes on this form to keep track of your and your family’s vaccinations settings. These facilities offer a range of high-quality illness, allowing them to fully participate in classroom services, including medication counseling, health activities and maximize their learning potential. screenings and immunizations. Ensuring children are current on their vaccines coviD-9 Routine preventive care, including vaccine admin- also creates opportunities for parents and caregivers istration, can take place at various points throughout to check their own preventive health statuses. Hemophilus influenzae Infant 4 Type B (Hib) the year and is not limited to a single season. Certain The National Institutes of Health notes vaccine- TET att populations, such as people who are 60 years of age preventable diseases cost the country approximately HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and older, those with chronic diseases and some $27 billion annually in lost wages and increased minority populations, are more at risk for contract- healthcare costs. Missing routine immunizations could Influenza (Flu) ing certain infections and are encouraged to maintain result in missed work and medical bills that could ‘Meningitis (Meningococcal) updated vaccinations and boosters throughout the prevent people from being able to provide and care for year. (For children younger than 5 years of age, their families. Polio check with your local pharmacist or clinician for Unlike some traditional healthcare settings, retail vaccine guidelines.) pharmacies and clinics are easily accessible. They The CDC recommends everyone 6 months old and are often located within local communities and have covip-9 older get an annual flu vaceine. Influenza, more com- extended hours that cater to busy schedules, allowing Hepatitis A monly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respi- flexibility for people getting their families vaccinated. ratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs, Tn fact, 90% of the U.S. population lives within 5 miles Hepatitis 8 and could lead to serious illness, hospitalization or ofa pharmacy. Options like the Kroger Family of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) death. Dominant flu strains are constantly shifting Companies’ Pharmacies and other retail pharmacies have and protection from a single flu vaccine declines established vaccine clinics within their pharmacy and Influenza (Flu) Meningitis (Meningococcal) Td or Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) covip-19 Influenza (Flu) Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Td or Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) covips9 Flu (influenza) Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) Shingles (Herpes Zoster) RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) For more information or to make an appointment, please visit 4 Kroger.com/vaccin: nordot cor nston