Give Life Your Best Shot

04/16/2022

What is shingles?
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can last up anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks, and possibly longer if not treated properly. It causes blisters on the skin typically found on the back, side, and areas of the face. There are several antiviral medications and ointments available to treat this condition. However, shingles can be life-threatening if you have cancer, diabetes, HIV, or any other illness that weakens the immune system.

Can you get shingles more than once?
Typically patients only get shingles one time but there are cases when people get it more than once! The best way to protect yourself from not contracting shingles is to get vaccinated and seek medical attention if you have a rash on your body that blisters and burns to receive treatment for shingles as soon as possible.

How many people are affected?
Information from the CDC shows that 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Information provided by the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

04/14/2022

The Covid-19 second booster is now available for individuals over the age of 50.
Some things to keep in mind:
- The boosters that are available are Pfizer and Moderna
- You are eligible to receive the second booster if it has been more than four months
- Individuals who received J&J are eligible for one booster and it can be either Pfizer or Moderna
For more information feel free to read this helpful article: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/covid-booster-shots-heres-who-is-eligible-for-a-fourth-vaccine-dose/2798820/ #:~:text=For%20the%20more%20than%204,compromised%20as%20young%20as%2012.

04/11/2022

It's time to start thinking about getting the Prevnar 20 shot. This time of year we are recommending the Prevnar 20 Vaccine to adults 65 and older or anyone over 19 who is immunocompromised. It helps protect against 20 types of pneumonia bacteria that can cause serious infections. It is just one dose and is available at most pharmacies and doctors' offices. Don't delay!

See risks & benefits for PREVNAR 20™, a one-dose vaccine that helps protect against 20 strains of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia.

04/05/2022

As we age, our immune system weakens and puts us at a higher risk for diseases like the flu, shingles and pneumonia. Some conditions can make it even harder for your body to fight off these infections and cause severe complications. These conditions include COPD, heart disease, diabetes and many more.
For example, if you have diabetes, the flu can cause your blood sugar to reach dangerous levels causing further damage to your body.

When you get vaccinated you are less likely to get sick and less likely to get others around you sick! Recommended vaccines protect you and the people you love.

We'll talk more about how the flu impacts the work load on your heart tomorrow!

This short animated film gives an overview of how vaccines work, highlights the importance of vaccination, debunks common myths and misconceptions, addresses...

04/05/2022

Welcome to our page! This page is run by a group of nursing students, who are graduating in May from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

We had the pleasure of having our last clinical rotation at a Senior Living Community. While we were there we noticed a huge need for education about vaccines for these residents. We created this page to help not only our friends at the Senior Living Community, but also for individuals 50+ and their families in other communities as well.

We hope you find some helpful information about the importance of vaccines, where you can find local vaccine drives/clinics and how to improve you or your loved ones health. Overall, we hope you find this page as a safe place to ask questions and share your concerns vaccinations.