Kinney Drugs Explains New CDC Vaccination Guidance for Pneumonia & COVID-19
Oct 31, 2024 02:26PM ● By Kenzie Shiver
Gouverneur, NY – Kinney Drugs, a 100% employee-owned pharmacy chain in New York and Vermont, has released a statement further explaining October 23 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control regarding Pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations. Specifically, CDC lowered the recommended age for Pneumonia vaccination to age 50+ (from age 65+). In addition, CDC recommended that those aged 65+ as well as those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of this year’s (2024-2025 formula, KP.2) COVID-19 vaccine six months after receiving their first dose.
WHY DID CDC MAKE THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?
“After considering all available data, CDC concluded that lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination would give more adults the opportunity to protect themselves at the age when risk of infection substantially increases. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk. Regarding COVID-19, CDC concluded that an additional dose of vaccine helps protect those most at risk for severe outcomes from the virus,” said Shannon Miller, PharmD, R.Ph., Kinney Drugs Senior Director of Healthcare Operations. “Vaccination also reduces the risk of these populations contracting Long COVID, a chronic condition that occurs after COVID infection that lasts for three months or more,” she added.
HOW CAN KINNEY HELP?
Individuals who are: Pneumonia COVID
Aged 50-64 Aged 65+
You are now eligible for pneumonia vaccination. Kinney Drugs suggests scheduling an appointment ASAP. While infections can occur at any time of year; pneumonia spikes during autumn & winter, closely following flu season.
If you have not yet been vaccinated for pneumonia, Kinney Drugs suggests
scheduling an appointment ASAP. While infections can occur at any time of year; pneumonia spikes during autumn & winter, closely following flu season.
If you have already been vaccinated for pneumonia, no action is necessary.
If you have not yet been vaccinated with the 2024/2025 vaccine, Kinney Drugs suggests scheduling an appointment ASAP. While infections can occur at any time of year; COVID spikes during autumn & winter, closely following flu season.
If you have not yet been vaccinated with the 2024/2025 vaccine, Kinney Drugs suggests scheduling an appointment ASAP. While infections can occur at any time of year; COVID spikes during autumn & winter, closely following flu season. At that time, your pharmacist can schedule an appointment for your second dose six months out.
If you have already received your first dose of the 2024/2025 vaccine, you can schedule your second dose at least 6 months after your first dose.
Moderately to severely immunocompromised | Kinney Drugs suggests consulting with your healthcare provider(s) who can determine the most appropriate dosing regimen and collaborating with a Kinney Pharmacist for vaccine administration if needed. |
To schedule a vaccination appointment at Kinney Drugs, individuals can stop by their local Kinney pharmacy or go to www.kinneydrugs.com/locations/appointments/. Walk-ins are also welcome. Kinney Drugs also carries a variety of over-the-counter diagnostic tests for COVID, as well as the Well-life 3-in-1 COVID-19/Flu A& B test. Early detection can be key to shortening illnesses with appropriate treatments.
WHY DO INDIVIDUALS NEED SEASONAL COVID SHOTS?
Most people understand that they need a seasonal flu shot each year. That’s because over time, viruses mutate or change. Like influenza, COVID-19 is a virus, and several variants have been circulating since 2020. The 2024/2025 COVID-19 vaccines were updated to target the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of COVID. These include adult vaccines approved for individuals 12 and up, and pediatric vaccines authorized for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age. (Pharmacies are allowed to vaccinate those age 2+ in New York, and 3+ in Vermont.) For more information, visit www.KinneyDrugs.com.
About Kinney Drugs: Founded in Gouverneur, NY in 1903, today the independent, employee-owned company operates 95 stores in New York and Vermont. Kinney Drugs is part of the KPH Healthcare Services family of companies, a national provider of pharmaceutical and healthcare services with complementary businesses in both the retail and commercial segments of the industry. KPH is comprised of eight divisions: (1) Kinney Drugs, a chain of full-service drug stores located throughout New York and Vermont; (2) Health Direct Institutional Pharmacy Services, which serves long-term care and alternative care needs; (3) ProAct, Inc., a pharmacy benefit management company with sales offices throughout the country and a mail-order pharmacy; (4) Noble Health Services, a specialty pharmacy that dispenses medications used to treat complex and chronic diseases; (5) Kinnect™, an on-site clinical care pharmacy; (6) Aristacare, an infusion therapy pharmacy; (7) HomeLife specialized nursing support for in-home infusion services; and (8) Kinney Homecare, a durable medical equipment company. KPH Healthcare Services is an employee-owned company with approximately 4,500 employees that provides the highest quality pharmacy and healthcare services. Every aspect of KPH’s business is guided by the values of excellence, moral responsibility, and community spirit. Learn more at www.kinneydrugs.com.
