Bureta Pharmacy Shop
We're 'the little pharmacy with the big heart' - our slogan explains our attitude - small in size but big in attitude, we like to go the extra mile for our customers!
Are you up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations? As winter approaches, it's the perfect time to think about your respiratory health. Cold weather brings people indoors, increases close contact, and creates ideal conditions for viruses to spread.
At Bureta Pharmacy Shop, we're committed to helping our community stay protected throughout the winter months. Give us a call on 07 576 9600 to find out more about your options. Understanding the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and knowing when you might need a booster can make all the difference to your wellbeing this season.
Winter has always been peak season for respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 is no exception. When temperatures drop, we naturally spend more time indoors with windows closed and heating on. This creates environments where viruses can spread more easily from person to person.
The virus that causes COVID-19 also tends to survive longer in cold, dry air. Combined with the fact that our immune systems can be slightly less effective in winter, and that we're often in closer contact with others during indoor activities and gatherings, the risk of infection increases during the cooler months.
COVID-19 vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalisation, and long-term complications. However, the protection provided by vaccination does decrease over time. This is why booster doses are recommended, particularly before winter when your risk of exposure is higher.
Your vaccination needs depend on several factors, including your age, overall health, when you last received a dose, and whether you have any underlying medical conditions. Some people, such as those over 65, individuals with chronic health conditions, or those who are immunocompromised, may benefit from more frequent boosters.
Current guidelines recommend that certain groups prioritise getting a COVID-19 booster before winter. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over, are at higher risk of severe illness and should consider a booster if it's been six months or more since their last dose.
People with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or weakened immune systems also benefit significantly from staying up to date with vaccinations. Healthcare workers, aged care staff, and those who work with vulnerable populations should consider a booster to protect both themselves and those they care for.
Even if you're young and healthy, a booster can help reduce your risk of infection and prevent you from passing the virus to more vulnerable family members or friends. If you're planning winter travel or will be attending large indoor gatherings, vaccination provides valuable additional protection.
Getting your COVID-19 vaccination at your local pharmacy is straightforward and convenient. Trained pharmacists can assess your vaccination history, discuss your individual circumstances, and determine whether a booster is right for you. In most cases, you can receive your vaccination during the same visit.
The vaccination itself takes just moments. You'll receive an injection in your upper arm, and you'll be asked to wait for 15 minutes afterwards to ensure you don't experience any immediate reactions. Most people tolerate the vaccine very well and can continue with their normal activities straight away.
Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived. You might experience some tenderness or redness at the injection site, mild fatigue, headache, or muscle aches for a day or two. These effects are actually a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and building protection.
Winter is also flu season, and many people choose to receive both their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination at the same time. This is perfectly safe and can be very convenient. You can have both vaccines during the same visit, either in different arms or in the same arm with appropriate spacing.
Protecting yourself against both COVID-19 and influenza is particularly important because the symptoms can be very similar, and it's possible to be infected with both viruses at once. Having both vaccinations gives you comprehensive protection against the most common winter respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19 vaccines are regularly updated to provide better protection against new variants of the virus. The vaccines available this winter are formulated to target the strains currently circulating in the community, offering improved protection compared to earlier versions.
Your pharmacist can explain which vaccine formulation is most appropriate for you based on your age, health status, and vaccination history. All approved COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and effective.
While vaccination is your best defence, there are other steps you can take to support your immune system during winter. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals. Regular physical activity, even just a daily walk, helps keep your immune system functioning well.
Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for immune health, as is managing stress through relaxation techniques or activities you enjoy. Staying hydrated, washing your hands regularly, and maintaining good indoor ventilation all contribute to reducing your risk of infection.
If you do feel unwell, staying home when you're sick helps protect others in your community. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces is still an effective way to reduce transmission, particularly if you're at higher risk or will be around vulnerable people.
Many people are eligible for free COVID-19 booster vaccinations under government-funded programmes. Eligibility criteria vary based on age, health status, and time since last vaccination. Your pharmacist can check whether you're eligible for a free booster or advise you on the cost if you're not covered by government funding.
Most pharmacies offer convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends, and many also accept walk-in vaccinations. This flexibility makes it easier than ever to fit vaccination into your busy schedule.
Many people have questions about COVID-19 vaccination, and pharmacists are here to provide clear, evidence-based answers. If you're concerned about side effects, have questions about vaccine safety, or are unsure whether vaccination is right for you given your medical history, your pharmacist can discuss these concerns with you in a private, supportive environment.
Some people may be hesitant about vaccination due to misinformation they've encountered. Pharmacists can help you understand the facts, explain how the vaccines work, and address any specific concerns you have based on reliable scientific evidence.
When you get vaccinated, you're not just protecting yourself – you're also helping to protect your community. Higher vaccination rates reduce the overall spread of COVID-19, which is particularly important for protecting people who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or who are at high risk of severe illness.
This collective protection, known as community immunity, helps reduce the burden on our healthcare system and allows society to function more normally during winter months when respiratory illnesses typically peak.
Don't wait until winter is in full swing to think about your COVID-19 vaccination. Getting your booster now, before the coldest months arrive, gives your immune system time to build strong protection when you need it most.
Visit Bureta Pharmacy Shop in Tauranga to discuss COVID-19 vaccination today. The process is quick, convenient, and provides valuable protection for you and your loved ones. Call our friendly team on 07 576 9600 to book your appointment or simply walk in at a time that suits you. Stay healthy, stay protected, and approach winter with confidence.
Causes of swallowing difficulties
Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:
Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:
Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.
Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.
Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:
How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:
As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.
Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...
We're 'the little pharmacy with the big heart' - our slogan explains our attitude - small in size but big in attitude, we like to go the extra mile for our customers!
