National Immunization Awareness Month: Prepare for a Healthy Fall

August is National Immunization Awareness Month—a great time to make sure you're up to date on the vaccines recommended for your age and health needs before respiratory virus season begins.

Vaccines help protect not only you, but also your family, friends, and our community. Whether you're due for your annual flu vaccine or have questions about COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia, shingles, or Tdap, our pharmacists are here to help.

At Northern Pharmacy & Medical Equipment, we offer personalized vaccine consultations to review your vaccination history, discuss recommended vaccines, and help verify insurance coverage.

Walk-ins are welcome, and most insurance plans are accepted.

Don't wait until illness is circulating in our community—prepare now for a healthier fall.

CDC Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool – Helps adults determine which vaccines may be recommended based on age and health conditions.  https://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

CDC Adult Immunization Schedule  - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Visit Northern Pharmacy today to learn which vaccines may be recommended for you. 

If you're expecting, now is a great time to learn about the benefits of your breast pump before your baby arrives.

Office on Women's Health – Breastfeeding-https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding?utm_source=chatgpt.com

CDC – Breastfeeding -  https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to acknowledge the numerous benefits of breastfeeding while supporting every family's unique breastfeeding journey.

At Northern Pharmacy & Medical Equipment, we're here to make accessing a breast pump simple. Many insurance plans cover breast pumps at little or no cost, and our knowledgeable team can help verify your coverage, explain your options, and guide you through the ordering process.

Whether you're expecting your first baby or adding a new member to your family, we're committed to providing the products, support, and personalized service you need.

We can help with:

• Insurance verification 

• Breast pump options from trusted brands

• Convenient home delivery or in-store pickup

• Friendly, local support every step of the way

Why Regular Medication Reviews Are Important

As we age, our bodies naturally process medications differently. A medication that worked well years ago may increase the risk of side effects, dizziness, falls, confusion, or medication interactions later in life. That's why regular medication reviews are an important part of maintaining your health and independence.

Healthcare professionals often use the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® as a guideline to identify medications that may require additional evaluation in adults aged 65 and older. The Beers Criteria® is not a list of medications to avoid altogether. Instead, it serves as a conversation starter between patients and healthcare providers to determine whether a medication is still the safest and most appropriate option based on an individual's health, medical conditions, and treatment goals.

A medication review can help:

• Review your current prescription medications

• Evaluate over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements

• Identify potential drug interactions

• Discuss medications that may increase the risk of falls or other side effects

• Answer questions about your medications and how to take them safely

Our pharmacists are committed to helping you better understand your medications and supporting you in making informed healthcare decisions. If you have questions about your prescriptions or would like to learn more about medication safety, we're here to help.

Learn More About the AGS Beers Criteria®

American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria®: https://geriatricscareonline.org/ProductAbstract/american-geriatrics-society-updated-ags-beers-criteria-for-potentially-inappropriate-medication-use-in-older-adults/CL001