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pharmacytalk older. When you are young, your immune system is usually strong enough to keep the virus in check but, as we age, our immune system is not as effective and therefore it becomes easier for Shingles to overcome our immune defences. The risk of getting Shingles sharply increases over the age of 50 and that is the age from when we can administer the Shingles Vaccine ZostavaxTM. ZostavaxTM is a vaccine that is available to help prevent Shingles and is now available from Hickeys Unichem Pharmacy. ZostavaxTM is a single-dose injection and it can be given at the same time as the Flu Vaccine, and is available for those over 50 years of age. If you are thinking about getting this vaccine, come and see us today.
Shingles Following on from last month’s topic on Influenza and the Flu Vaccine, this month we are discussing Shingles and the vaccine ZostavaxTM. Shingles is an infection of a nerve and surrounding skin surface that is supplied by the nerve, and is caused by Varicella-zoster virus – commonly known as Chicken pox. Anyone who has had Chicken Pox can get Shingles – including children. Shingles usually appears as a rash of painful blisters that affects one side of the face or body; it can cause a burning, throbbing, shooting or stabbing pain that lasts for up to 30 days. One in four people experience a longer lasting pain called Post-herpatic neuralgia, which is a chronic nerve pain that can last for months or years. We have had countless customers who describe the pain from Shingles as the worst pain that they have ever experienced and that is why we are excited to be able to offer the ZostavaxTM vaccine to our customers. Shingles is extremely common and affects one in three people in their lifetime, with this risk increasing as we get
Don’t forget: we are in full-swing with the Flu vaccine – no appointment is necessary and we are offering a discount** to all customers who mention this advert. Have a great month Unichem Hickeys Pharmacy Ken, Esther and Valentina ** Mention this advert and receive $10 off your Flu or ZostavaxTM Injection **
Protect yourself this winter with a flu shot from Unichem Hickeys Pharmacy. Flu can be anywhere and your best form of protection this winter is to get a flu shot.
Pauline’s Sewing Services Pauline Saunders Millwater Resident
T:(09)557 4378
• Ball Gowns • School Uniforms
get your flu shot, just call in during open hours and we can do it for you then and there. No appointment needed. Influenza vaccine is a prescription medicine. Ask your Pharmacist about benefits and possible risks.
Unichem Hickeys Pharmacy 16 Moana Ave, Orewa Ph: (09) 426 5659 Email: dispensary@hickeys.co.nz
Store Hours Monday – Friday Saturday Sunday
8.30am – 6.00pm 9.00am – 4.00pm 9.30am – 3.00pm
01225
• Clothing alterations/repairs • Wedding Dresses • Curtain Making
M: 021 0866 5581
Unichem Hickeys makes it easy for you to
