Vaccines

Influenza (the flu) is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. You can catch the flu if your eyes, nose, or mouth become exposed to infectious droplets from someone sneezing or coughing, including if you touch these areas while your hands are contaminated. Yearly flu vaccines are recommended for most people 6 months of age and older. Check with your pharmacist if it’s your child’s first flu shot.

COVID-19 is a type of respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. You can get infected if you’re exposed to infectious droplets, such as when someone coughs, or if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for most people 6 months of age and older. Ask your pharmacist about how many doses you’ll need.

RSV is a highly contagious and common respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages and can lead to serious complications. Individuals aged 50* years and older, adults with underlying chronic medical conditions and adults with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of developing severe illness from RSV. In Alberta, your Rexall Pharmacist can prescribe and administer your RSV Vaccine.**

*Adults ages 50-59 with underlying chronic conditions such as respiratory (such as asthma, COPD), heart, metabolic (such as diabetes), liver, or kidney diseases will be eligible to receive an RSV vaccine.

**Costs may apply. Talk to your Pharmacist for details.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause infections like pneumonia. You can get infected if you’re exposed to infectious droplets, such as when someone coughs, or if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Pneumococcal vaccines are routinely given to children. Adults over 65 should get a booster dose. Other adults may need booster doses if they have a weakened immune system.

Meningococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause infections like meningitis. You can get infected if you’re exposed to infectious droplets, such as when someone coughs, or if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Meningococcal vaccines are routinely given to children. You may need booster doses depending on your medical condition, job, or if you are travelling to high-risk areas.

Hepatitis B is a type of viral liver infection that spreads via infected blood or body fluids, such as by sharing personal hygiene products like toothbrushes or razors. While it usually goes away on its own, it can become a long-term issue for some adults and young children. Hepatitis B vaccines are routinely given to infants and children. If you have a medical condition, ask your pharmacist about booster doses.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria can cause infections like meningitis. You can become infected with Hib if your eyes, nose, or mouth become exposed to infectious droplets from someone sneezing or coughing, or from sharing items with infected people. Hib vaccines are routinely given to young children. They’re also given to adults with certain medical conditions. Ask your pharmacist to learn more.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a type of infection caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that affects the skin and nerves. It commonly affects people who are above the age of 50, though anyone who has previously experienced chickenpox earlier in life can be affected. Shingles vaccines are recommended for most people above the age of 50. The vaccine requires two doses.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a type of viral and sexually transmitted infection. You can become infected through anal, oral, and vaginal sexual contact. HPV infections can lead to genital warts and various types of cancers. HPV vaccines may be recommended for individuals aged 9 to 45, and routinely given to children in grades 6 or 7. No booster doses are needed.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito, specifically Aedes and Haemagogus species. The disease gets its name from the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that occurs when the virus attacks the liver.