Immunizations and vaccinations are medical interventions designed to protect individuals from infectious diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight the agents they are designed to protect against, without causing the disease itself.

• Vaccination refers to the act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease. This involves administering a vaccine, which is typically a preparation of antigens from a disease-causing organism.
• Immunization is the process by which a person becomes protected from a disease through vaccination. This term encompasses the entire process by which a person becomes immune to a disease, including the administration of the vaccine and the subsequent development of immunity.

Compounding pharmacies like VPharmacy support immunization efforts by providing consultations, vaccinations, and educating patients on the importance of vaccines, how they work and the potential side effects. VPharmacy supports local communities by addressing questions about the vaccines and raising public awareness. At VPharmacy, we provide the following vaccines:

CHOLERA VACCINE

The cholera vaccine protects against cholera, a bacterial infection of the small intestine that can cause severe watery diarrhea and dehydration, usually spread through contaminated water.

COVID-19 VACCINE

COVID-19 vaccines protect against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These vaccines work by teaching the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the virus. Several types of COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, including mRNA vaccines, vector vaccines, and protein subunit vaccines.

DIPTHERIA, TETANUS, PERTUSSIS VACCINE

This vaccine protects against three serious bacterial diseases: diphtheria (throat infection leading to breathing issues), tetanus (neurotoxin causing muscle stiffness and lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). It is typically given in childhood as part of routine immunizations.

HEPATITIS A VACCINE

The hepatitis A vaccine protects against hepatitis A virus (HAV), which causes liver disease and is typically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE

This vaccine prevents hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, a serious liver infection that can become chronic and lead to liver failure, cancer, or cirrhosis. HBV is transmitted through blood, semen, or another infected person’s body fluids.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) VACCINE

The HPV vaccine protects against infections by human papillomaviruses, including types that can lead to cervical cancer, other genital cancers, and oropharyngeal cancer, as well as types that cause genital warts.

INFLUENZA (FLU) VACCINE

The flu vaccine protects against influenza, a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is recommended annually to guard against the most common types of flu viruses that season.

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS VACCINE

This vaccine is used to protect against Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne viral brain infection prevalent in rural parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.

MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR) VACCINE

The MMR vaccine protects against measles (a severe viral rash illness), mumps (a viral infection causing swollen salivary glands), and rubella (a mild viral rash illness known as German measles), all of which are highly contagious.

MENINGOCOCCAL (MENINGITIS) VACCINE

This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that can lead to severe brain swelling and a deadly blood infection, affecting mostly teenagers and young adults.

PNEUMOCOCCAL (PNEUMONIA) VACCINE

The pneumococcal vaccine prevents some types of pneumonia along with other diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, such as meningitis and bacteremia.

POLIO VACCINE

The polio vaccine prevents poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can affect nerves and lead to partial or full paralysis. The disease has been nearly eradicated by vaccination.

RABIES VACCINE

Used for both pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment, the rabies vaccine protects against rabies, a deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans through the bites of infected animals.

TYPHOID VACCINE

This vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection that can lead to high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria.

ZOSTER (SHINGLES) VACCINE

The shingles vaccine protects against shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful rash and can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox in their lifetime, as it is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus.

VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX) VACCINE

This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a common and highly contagious viral disease that causes an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms.

TRAINED IMMUNIZERS

Trained immunizers are healthcare providers who are qualified to administer vaccines according to local regulations. They play a crucial role in vaccination programs, ensuring vaccines are given safely and effectively. These vaccines are key in preventing serious diseases and reducing the spread of infections, representing critical tools in public health efforts worldwide.

VPharmacy plays an important supportive role in the immunization ecosystem. We help administer vaccines, ensure proper handling and storage, provide essential educational outreach, and support specific community health needs, all of which contribute to public health and wellness to our communities.