I don’t usually talk a lot about me, but today I am going to tell you a little more about my life so you understand why I ALWAYS get my flu vaccine. I am wife, a mom and I spend a great deal of my time running this blog. It seems we are at the stage in life where our most precious commodity has become time (isn’t it always though?)
I have been married 8 years this December and with my husband being in the military he has been gone a little less than 50% of our marriage. The military life sure toughens you up in many regards, but what I am thankful for is that since our time together as a whole family can be few and far between at times, we have learned to really enjoy and embrace the time we spend together.
Nothing can ruin our precious moments together more quickly than getting sick. Before we had kids it was one thing, but now trying to juggle toddlers while feeling miserable is another. Before I married into the military life, I don’t think I had a vaccine that I can remember. Outside of the routine immunizations that I received as a child I stayed far away from needles. Once we got married though it was different. I didn’t want to gamble with my health, because we all know that illness only comes on at the least opportune times possible.
I started getting my yearly flu shots because protecting myself from getting sick so that I would have as much time with my husband while he was around became the most important thing to me. Walgreen’s Immunization Clinic makes it simple for adults to get their immunizations. No long lines and special trips to the doctor’s office. All you have to do is drop by the pharmacy while you are doing your shopping and you can quickly and easily get your vaccine and be on your way without hassle or delay. I love how it fits into an everyday errand. When I drove up to Walgreens it literally looked like this! I guess I found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Walgreens doesn’t just offer flu vaccines, they offer a range of adult vaccinations that guard against some more common illnesses such as the HPC vaccine, hepatitis vaccine, and shingles vaccine, in addition to the flu vaccine. They make it so easy, it seems almost silly to gamble with your health.
What I really love though is that Walgreens is passionate about this cause. So much so that they partnered with the United Nations Foundation’s Shot at Life campaign. For every person who receives a flu shot or any immunization at Walgreens, they’ll help supply a life saving vaccine to a child in a developing country partnered with the United Nations Foundation’s Shot at Life campaign until October 14, 2013. Walgreen’s and the United Nations Foundation will protect up to 3 million kids from life threatening illnesses such as measles and polio. You can see more about how getting a flu shot can change a child’s life here.
I didn’t used to be a crier, but now that I am a mom thinking of kids that miss needs as basic as vaccinations really tugs at my heartstrings. I think it speaks volumes when a corporation has a cause. We are so blessed, in my life, with my family, and in our country. The Shot at Life campaign gives me the opportunity to bless other’s by doing something I already will be doing. And the cherry on top is that it becomes a teachable moment for my kids. We can talk about why mommy gets vaccines, staying healthy, and how we can give back to others.
Walgreens had us brainstorm what we wanted to give our kids by getting immunized. My entry was this:
I want my kids to have every opportunity to spend the time doing the things that matter like being at school and making memories with our family. Getting sick isn’t in my plan!
To see more about my trip to Walgeens you can view my Google+ Album here! Also, see what Walgreens is up to with Shot at Life and their future campaigns by following them on Facebook or Twitter.
Have you gotten your adult vaccinations? Why is it important to you?
Jen says
What a great cause!
Kimber says
I know Jen! I was honored to spread the word!
Angela says
My mom recently called me to tell me about Whooping Cough going around and wanted to make sure that we were up to date on our vaccinations. We are, thankfully, and I even had a booster while I was pregnant just to be sure. I make sure that we are fully vaccinated to help protect those who CAN’T be. Herd immunity is very important, and I want to be a protector, not one who needs to be protected. People with autoimmune diseases need the rest of us to get vaccinated in order to make sure that THEY don’t get sick. No way do I want to be responsible for someone with cancer or HIV getting sick because I couldn’t be bothered to stay up on my shots.
Kimber says
So well said Angela! It is a personal responsibility and is ust one of those things that is bigger than yourself.
Patty says
That is a truly wonderful program. It is indeed heartbreaking to think of children dying because of diseases that are easily stopped by a simple vaccine.
Kimber says
It is crazy to think it happens in the world we live in today.
Recreate and Decorate says
I was always too scared Not to give my kids their vacinations. I would hate to know something happened all because I chose to not vaccinate them. Great idea Walgreens has going.
Kimber says
I totally agree Wanda!
Kara Lewis says
What a great program. My husband and I really need to look into our vaccinations. We are always good at keeping our boys up-to-date but I’m sure we’re due for a booster or two.
Kimber says
Aren’t we always the last on the list? It’s kinda like in the airplane when they tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our kids!
Megan Chamberlin says
I’m with Kara – being responsible for your children’s health is great, but I think parents tend to put themselves on the back burner, which isn’t good for anyone either! That’s a great program they have going, what a wonderful contribution.
Kimber says
THanks Megan! I totally agree. Glad you could stop by 🙂
popcosmo says
I love that they are helping others – what an amazing cause! And can I just say that rainbow photo is gorgeous!
xo ~kim
Kimber says
Thanks Kim! It made my day you loved it. I was in awe of the beauty and how perfect that it ended right over my destination.