Why You Should Be Getting Vaccinated at Your Doctor’s Rather than Your Pharmacy

Getting vaccinated is an important investment in your good health -- and your child’s. You know that you should get an annual flu shot along with other immunizations your doctor recommends, and your child needs certain immunizations as well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You’ve probably seen that vaccinations are available in many places, including the neighborhood pharmacy. Your grocery store’s pharmacy may offer them as well. While this may seem convenient, there are many reasons you should get vaccinated at your doctor’s clinic instead. 

Here at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic in New Albany, Mississippi, our talented team of doctors are ready to help you and your children get the vaccinations necessary to stay healthy and happy.

The doctor already knows your health history

Vaccines are overwhelmingly safe, but it’s important to have them administered by a doctor who already knows your health history. 

Certain health conditions or medications can make the timing of vaccinations inappropriate, and only a doctor with your medical records would know that information.

The doctor can keep a better record of your immunizations

When you get a vaccine at the pharmacy, record-keeping is your responsibility. This is particularly important when it comes to childhood immunizations. Because vaccinations are required for school entrance, you need an accurate record of which vaccines your child has had and when they had it.

Because your doctor keeps a record of the immunizations you or your child have received, it can also help in regards to vaccine timing. 

When vaccines need to be given in a series, they typically have to be given within certain intervals (meaning it can’t be given too close or too far from the time of the previous vaccine). Trust your doctor to keep these records in one place for you. 

Your insurance plan may not cover vaccinations at the pharmacy

The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to cover all government-recommended vaccinations. However, some health insurance plans are more specific about where you can receive your shots. 

Your health insurance plan may not cover immunizations at a pharmacy. You would need to check with your insurance company for their coverage rules before deciding to go outside of your doctor’s office. It’s often easier just to get them done at your doctor’s office because you can be sure that it’ll be covered.

Your doctor’s office is a more private environment.

The pharmacy is convenient, for sure. But there’s something about sitting in a chair, usually with just a screen around it, that doesn’t feel very private. Not to mention, if you’re a bit nervous about needles, you might feel anxiety and claustrophobia in those little booths.

In your doctor’s office, you’ll be in a familiar environment that’s more private, since most immunizations are given in the exam room. 

Your doctor’s office can monitor you more effectively after the vaccine

Vaccines are safe, and the vast majority of them produce no reactions at all. At the same time, most doctors will ask you to remain in the office for a few minutes after receiving a vaccine to make sure you don’t have any unexpected negative reactions. 

In the rare event that you do have a reaction, you’re in the best place to be treated. Pharmacists don’t have the same training to respond to such medical events.

Getting your vaccinations or your child’s immunizations is very important. But it’s also important to get them done in the most appropriate place. Call our New Albany, Mississippi, clinic today or use our convenient online booking tool to schedule an appointment with one of our caring providers.