Last year, 193.8 million flu vaccines were distributed, and pharmacies played a large role in that record-setting effort. Roughly 54 percent of Americans got their flu shot at a drug store, an over 50 percent jump from the year before, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And pharmacies aren’t just for flu shots. Because they are often conveniently located, offer early and late hours, and typically allow walk-in appointments, drug stores are a popular option for people looking to get the COVID-19 shot or booster, as well as many other recommended vaccines. Pharmacists are making a major contribution to community immunization, says William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. In fact, these days people tend to have more encounters with pharmacists in drug stores than with their healthcare providers, he notes. “Each of those contacts is an opportunity to review the immunization history and to bring vaccinations up to date,” Dr. Schaffner explains. Thinking of getting your flu shot (or another vaccine) at your local pharmacy, but still have some concerns? Read on. Here, are answers to common questions about getting vaccinated at a pharmacy, plus tips for how to make the process as quick and easy as possible. RELATED: Different Types of Flu Vaccine and How to Pick the Right Kind for You
Where can I go to get vaccinations?
Vaccines are offered at drugstore chains, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens; warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club; and many independent pharmacies. The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination has 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to help increase access to the vaccine. A list of the partners can be found on the CDC website. RELATED: Get a Flu Shot Now or Wait?
Is it safe to get vaccinated at a drug store?
Drug stores are an excellent place to be vaccinated, Schaffner says. “Today, pharmacists [along with their staff] are well-trained in vaccines and their indications, as well as safety protocols and inoculation technique,” he explains. In the era of COVID-19, pharmacies are also taking extra safety precautions: People coming in to be vaccinated are required to answer COVID-19 screening questions, wear masks, and maintain physical distancing at immunization sites, while pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurse practitioners administering vaccines must wear masks and gloves. RELATED: 7 Flu Shot Myths You Should Stop Believing
What vaccines can a pharmacist give?
Along with the COVID-19 shot and the flu shot, most pharmacists can administer vaccines to protect against:
Hepatitis A (hep A)Hepatitis B (hep B)Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)Meningitis (meningococcal)Pneumonia (pneumococcal)PolioShingles (herpes zoster)Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)Chickenpox (varicella)
In addition to vaccinations, other kinds of injections may be available. Some pharmacies, for example, offer the birth control shot (Depo-Provera) and vitamin B12 injections to patients over 18 with a prescription from a doctor.
Can kids get vaccinated at a pharmacy?
Yes, kids can now get many of their shots at pharmacies and drug stores in all 50 states. Thanks to a 2020 ruling by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), all pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians in the United States can administer the flu, as well as many other vaccines, to anyone age 3 and up. (Previously, only 28 states permitted pharmacists to administer vaccines to children.) Minimum ages for vaccines, however, are regulated by state law, so the cutoff for certain vaccines may be higher than age 3 at pharmacies in your area. Pharmacies can also give the COVID-19 shot to children, but currently only those age 12 and up are eligible.
Can I get more than one vaccine during the same visit?
If you need more than one vaccine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should get them all in one visit, or space them out. It’s very common to bundle immunizations for children, and there are many cases where adults may get two vaccines at the same time. Shingrix, which is recommended to prevent shingles in adults 50 and older, can be given during the same appointment as a flu shot, according to the CDC. The agency has also given the green light for people to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster shot (if you’re eligible), and the flu shot during the same visit. In fact, the CDC says that the COVID-19 vaccine can be given without regard to the timing of any other vaccine.
How much does it cost to get vaccinated at a pharmacy?
Pharmacies that offer immunizations will file with your insurance plan. Some private insurers cover 100 percent of vaccination costs; others require you to pay a deductible or copay. Medicare fully covers the flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines under Part B. If you have Medicare Part D (the Medicare Advantage plan), vaccinations are treated like prescription drugs with copays and deductibles. The COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone living in the United States, regardless of whether you have insurance or are U.S. citizen, says the CDC. Not all pharmacies charge the same amount for vaccinations, so if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket, it’s a good idea to shop around. And don’t rule out warehouse clubs just because you are not a member. Costco’s pharmacies are open to nonmembers where required by state law, and membership is not required to get vaccinations at Sam’s Club.
Can I get free or low-cost vaccinations?
Whether you go to a pharmacy, your doctor’s office, or an urgent care clinic, vaccines can be pricey if you don’t have insurance. That doesn’t mean you have to give up essential vaccinations. There are several ways you and your family can get free or low-cost vaccines.
The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides vaccines at no cost for children under age 19 who qualify for Medicaid, don’t have insurance, can’t cover out-of-pocket insurance costs, or are Native American or an Alaskan Native.Federally funded health centers provide vaccinations, and the cost may vary based on your income. You can search for local health centers on the Health Resources and Services Administration website.Your state’s health department can also provide information on getting free or low-cost vaccines. The CDC offers on online directory of state health departments.Check to see if local community centers, schools, or places of worship are offering vaccinations.
5 Tips for Getting Vaccinated at the Pharmacy
Here are some things to keep in mind before you head to your local drug store for a vaccination. Additional reporting by Becky Upham.
