CLICK BELOW TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH PHARMACIST JAMIE VROMAN
As we head toward winter across the Upper Peninsula, pharmacies are stocking up on the vaccines that people will need for the next few months.
At Meijer, officials say they have a full inventory of flu shots ahead of flu season and the first ever FDA-approved Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine for adults 60 and older. And they also have the brand new version of the COVID-19 vaccine, which has beem approved by the FDA for all age groups.
“This year, like last year, we are concerned with what’s being called a tri-demic,” Meijer pharmacist Jamie Vroman told RRN News. “Essentially, that’s three very infectious respiratory viruses circulating: COVID, flu, and RSV. Luckily, we have three vaccines. We’re gearing up for the winter, when everyone is staying inside and that is conducive to spreading illness. The COVID vaccine is new, and everyone six months old and over should be getting it, and that’s essentially the same with the flu vaccine. The RSV vaccine is available for patients who are 60 years of age and over. We have all three ready to keep yoiu healthy.”
Some people believe COVID-19 is gone, or they believe they won’t get sick because they already have previous vaccines or have natural immunity.
“Unfortunately, COVID is still one of the leading causes of death in the United States,” Vroman said. “That really puts it upon us to continue protecting patients. JUst like flu, it’s gonna keep circulating. We really do need to continue to keep getting vaccinated against that respiratory illness.”
Meanwhile, RSV is listed as a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be serious in infants and older adults who are more likely to develop severe symptoms and need hospitalization. Earlier this year, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for older adults. Meijer has ample inventory of it and more than 15 other available vaccinations.
“Meijer cares about the communities we serve, and our pharmacists work diligently to help our customers keep their families healthy all year long,” said Jackie Morse, Group Vice President of Pharmacy at Meijer. “Meijer is more than a grocery store. Millions of people trust us each year to support their health and wellness needs and these vaccinations are just one of the many ways we’re here for them.”
To schedule a vaccine appointment, text “VACCINE” to 75049, visit Clinic.Meijer.com, or call your local Meijer pharmacy. Walk-in appointments are also welcome.
Comments