Vaccines, Medication Safety, Storage and Disposal
Victors Vaccinate!
You might have questions, or maybe you are hesitant to get your next vaccine. That's okay!
Here's some vaccine science.
Did
You
Know?
- 92%-94% of the population needs to remain vaccinated to nearly eliminate the chances of an outbreak or epidemic of the measles.1
- 99% protection against the poliovirus is provided by three doses of the polio vaccine.2
- 100% efficacy in preventing tetanus, 95% efficacy in preventing diphtheria and 98% efficacy in preventing whooping cough is achieved by the Tdap vaccine.3
- 90%+ efficacy in preventing shingles in adults over 50, with healthy immune systems, who receive two doses of the zoster (shingles) vaccine.4
Common Myths About Vaccines
We have created guides to help dispel myths and answer common questions providing more information as you decide on your next vaccine.
Myth:
Vaccines may cause disease.
Fact: Most vaccines are inactivated and cannot cause disease. Live vaccines such as the chickenpox vaccine may cause a very mild case of the disease and show that the vaccine is working.
Myth:
Vaccines contain harmful ingredients.
Fact: Any ingredient in large doses can be harmful. However, we are exposed to more of these ingredients in our everyday environment than the amount in a vaccine.
Myth:
Vaccines aren’t vetted well before they are available to the public.
Fact: Before a vaccine is made available to the public, it goes through a lengthy and rigorous clinical trial process. After the clinical trial process is completed, the vaccine is submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review, approval.
Safe Use. Safe Storage. Safe Disposal. Safer Communities.
If you ever have questions about your medication, ask your Pharmacist!
Medication Safety
Being knowledgeable about proper medication use is important in preventing harm or injury as a result of misuse and helps the medicine work the right way. Our guide includes helpful and educational information to stay safe and healthy when using medicine.
Safe Medication Storage
Did you know? Every 10 minutes, a child goes to the emergency department because of an accidental medication poisoning.
Storing medications the right way ensures they remain effective and in the right hands.
Safe Medication Disposal
Removing and safely disposing of leftover medications or sharps when you are done using them is critical to keeping your home and our environment and communities safer.
Did you know?
- One out of three medications go unused.
- One in five people have had/know someone who has had their medications stolen.
Opioid Safety: The Basics
Opioids are strong medications, sometimes prescribed to help manage pain after a surgery, but taking more than needed or using them in the wrong way can be dangerous.
Because of their addictive nature, opioids have the potential to be abused if not taken correctly and can result in an overdose death.
Avoiding the misuse of opioids starts with understanding what it means. Misuse means taking an opioid in any way that is not exactly prescribed by a doctor.
Health Screenings
Wait, Don't I Go To the Doctor For That?
Yes. But you might not realize that your local pharmacy may offer basic health screenings, which can be more convenient for you!
Regardless of where you go, it is important to stay up-to-date on them.
Health screenings are medical check-ups for people who feel fine. Screenings can find health problems early, before symptoms start.
- Blood pressure
- Blood glucose
- Cholesterol
- Mental health check
Call or check the website of your local pharmacy to find out if screenings are offered.
- A few health questions
- A small blood sample from a finger prick (for blood sugar)
- A blood pressure check with an arm cuff