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Debunking Vaccine Myths: Why People with High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Need to Get Vaccinated

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Vaccines are one of the most safe and effective ways to prevent serious illness, yet myths and misinformation often keep people from getting the protection they need. Many people have never experienced a major outbreak of the many, once-deadly diseases that have been eliminated in the United States due to vaccines.  As vaccine hesitancy and complacency grows, the risk of re-emergence of these diseases increases.

If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, staying up to date on vaccinations is especially important. 

Why Vaccines Matter for People with High Blood Pressure & Diabetes 

Research shows that people with chronic conditions are at a higher risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. For example: 

  • The Flu: Individuals with diabetes are three times more likely to be hospitalized from the flu. 
  • Pneumonia: People with hypertension have a higher risk of serious lung infections that can lead to hospitalization. 
  • COVID-19: Those with high blood pressure or diabetes face a significantly higher risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. 

Debunking Vaccine MythsLet’s talk about a few of the misconceptions about vaccines.  

Myth #1: Vaccines are Only for Children 

Fact: While vaccines play a crucial role in childhood health, they are just as important for adults, especially those with underlying health conditions. Certain illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, can be more severe in adults, especially adults with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Staying vaccinated reduces the risk of serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death. 

Myth #2: If I Manage My Condition with Medications, I Don’t Need Vaccines 

Fact: Even if your blood pressure or blood sugar is well-controlled, these conditions still weaken your immune system and increase your vulnerability to infections. A simple cold or flu can escalate into something far more dangerous, such as pneumonia or sepsis. Vaccination provides an extra layer of defense, reducing the likelihood of severe illness. 

Myth #3: Vaccines Can Make Me Sick 

Fact: Some people worry that vaccines will give them the illness they’re meant to prevent. However, vaccines contain either inactive or weakened viruses that cannot cause the disease. While some people may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or a low-grade fever, these symptoms are far less severe than the actual disease itself. Additionally, the “sick feeling” you experience is actually your body learning how to fight the disease. 

Myth #4: Many ingredients in vaccines are dangerous 

Fact:  Many of the ingredients in vaccines that some people are concerned about occur naturally.  They are included in vaccines in lower concentrations than are found in our daily food intake.  Formaldehyde is essential to human metabolism and energy building.  A pear contains 60x more formaldehyde than is found in any vaccine.  Polysorbate 80 is a stabilizer in many vaccines and in many foods that we consume every day, such as peanut butter and ice cream.  Aluminum helps boost the immune response to vaccines.  Higher levels are found in breastmilk, fruits, vegetables, and meats because it is the 3rd most abundant element on earth.   

 

Which Vaccines Should You Get? 

If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, here are some key vaccines recommended by health experts: 

  • Flu vaccine (annually) to reduce the risk of severe influenza complications. 
  • COVID-19 vaccine (as recommended by health authorities, including booster doses) to protect against severe illness and hospitalization. 
  • Pneumococcal vaccine (one-time, usually at age 50+, with possible booster for certain individuals) to prevent pneumonia and bloodstream infections. 
  • Shingles vaccine (two-dose series, usually recommended at age 50+) to lower the risk of painful shingles outbreaks. 
  • Tdap vaccine (once every 10 years) to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). 

Vaccines Offered at Pharmacy of Grace  

We offer vaccines at Pharmacy of Grace in KCK Monday through Friday 9am until 3pm. Shawnee vaccinations are available Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9am until 3pm (but may require advanced notice since vaccines are mostly stored in KCK)   

  • Flu vaccine – available for walk-in patients anytime  
  • COVID-19 vaccine – currently still have walk-in availability (call to verify)  
  • Pneumococcal vaccine – available for walk-in patients  
  • Shingles vaccine – call to verify availability  
  • Tdap vaccine – call to verify availability  

Take Action: Protect Your Health Today 

Your health is worth protecting. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you. Vaccination is a simple yet powerful way to stay healthy, avoid hospital visits, and continue enjoying life without unnecessary health risks.  

 

KSHB News Interview about Medicare Price Negotiations

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Medicare Price Negotiations Could Help Some Patients: Pharmacy of Grace’s Michael Fink Interview Highlights Commitment to Affordable Medications

January 21st, 2025 – KSHB Channel 41 stopped by the pharmacy to interview us about Medicare’s price negotiations for several medications including diabetes medications Ozempic and Wegovy. His insights reflect Pharmacy of Grace’s dedication to helping patients navigate the high cost of prescriptions and access the medications they need.

Michael Fink Interview on KSHB

Michael Fink Interview on KSHB

In the article, Michael emphasized the challenges many patients face when trying to afford medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, particularly those with diabetes. “There’s a lot of patients that we have that have tried to use these medications but just haven’t had the ability to pay for them or navigate the complex process to access them,” Michael said.

The addition of Ozempic and Wegovy to Medicare’s list of drugs eligible for price negotiations is a positive step forward. These negotiations aim to make life-changing medications more affordable for millions of Americans. According to U.S. Health and Human Services, these drugs are among 25 medications that account for one-third of Medicare’s prescription spending, and lower costs could soon bring relief to countless families.

At Pharmacy of Grace, we’re proud to stand with patients as advocates for affordable healthcare. Michael’s participation in this conversation highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting our community and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to the medications they need.

Here is a link to the story on KSHB.com:

https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/with-trump-taking-office-questions-arise-about-medicare-price-negotiations-for-ozempic-wegovy

Popularity of weight loss medications impact diabetes patients

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May 30, 2024 – KSHB Channel 41 talked to several experts about heightened interest in certain diabetes medications that also help with weight loss. Pharmacist-In-Charge Michael Fink explained how the supply shortages are impacting our patients:

“When we’re trying to supply a patient with these medications and they’re not available, moving to an affordable product isn’t always an option for them,” Fink said.

 

KSHB News Headline: Are weight-loss drugs the future of medicine? Here's what KC area experts had to say.

 

You can read or watch KSHB’s in-depth report HERE.

KSHB: Patients, pharmacists feel relief with insulin prices lowered to $35

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Kansas City, KS — KSHB stopped by Pharmacy of Grace last week to interview our Pharmacist-in-Charge Michael Fink about the new program helping cap insulin prices for Medicare patients at just $35.

Fink told reporter Elyse Shoenig about how he’s seen insulin prices skyrocketing in the last few years, and how difficult that has been for patients. This price cap will help some people, but Pharmacy of Grace is still concerned about who gets left behind. Uninsured and underinsured patients are still struggling to afford their insulin, and we want to make sure they know that Pharmacy of Grace can help. Fink told KSHB that he’s seen firsthand the powerful impact it has on patients to finally be able to afford their medications when they come to Pharmacy of Grace:

“I’ve actually had patients walk out the door crying when we’ve given them their insulin that they’re now able to take it home,” Fink said. “Instead of not being able to afford it and just refusing it at the counter.”

KSHB also interviewed one of our patients, Ralph Richardson, who needs insulin to control his diabetes. His son said that they come to Pharmacy of Grace because the insulin is significantly less expensive with us than anywhere else.

Watch the entire story on KSHB’s website: click here
A woman fills prescription bottles at a pharmacy.
Are you struggling to afford your insulin? Our Grace Meds program helps uninsured and underinsured people afford their medications, including getting insulin for a price they can afford.

We are also a full-service pharmacy open to anyone regardless of insurance status, including Medicare and fully insured patients.

Do you want to know if you’re getting the best price for your medication? Give us a call today and our friendly staff will be happy to talk you through the benefits of filling your medications with us.