Immunization: What Vaccines Can You Get At Your Pharmacy?

Making Vaccines Accessible For Everyone

Most people remember going to the pediatrician as a child every time a booster shot or new vaccine was required. But as adults, taking time off from work to schedule an appointment with the doctor’s office to get an annual shot can be inconvenient. And for people without insurance, a doctor’s visit can be expensive. Because of these two scenarios, many people rely on local pharmacies to quickly get vaccinated and at a lower cost. But which vaccines are provided by pharmacies and which require a trip to the doctor’s office?

apthorp pharmacy Immunization What Vaccines Can You Get At Your Pharmacy

Determining what’s available

Vaccine distribution can vary wildly depending on the vaccines being offered and what’s allowed based on state regulations. Pharmacies are a popular choice for people short on time. However, keep in mind that available vaccines can vary between pharmacies, even in the same state.

Which vaccines do pharmacies offer?

Of course, availability may vary depending on the state or municipality. Specifically, states can dictate when a prescription is needed to get a vaccine and which vaccines can be given at pharmacies. One of the most common vaccines people can get at a pharmacy is the seasonal flu shot. Usually offered between August and March, pharmacies provide the shot at a reduced cost or completely free depending on an individual’s health insurance. But pharmacists can also provide the following vaccines:

  • HPV
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Meningitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Polio
  • Shingles
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Chickenpox

Why pharmacy vaccinations are popular

Pharmacies can be more convenient than going to the doctor. As compared to a doctor’s office, many pharmacies operate on a walk-in basis. As a result, people can go to a pharmacy on a lunch break, after work, or on the weekends. Likewise, since many pharmacies, including chains, are spread throughout a community, finding a location that’s nearby is easier than traveling across town to a doctor’s office. And for people who don’t have a primary care provider, a pharmacy may be more accessible and more affordable than visiting a doctor.

Planning a pharmacy vaccine visit

For people who need a single vaccine, pharmacies usually allow for drop-in visits. But individuals planning for multiple vaccinations or to have the entire family vaccinated may need to schedule an important. Aside from the widely available flu vaccine, people should always call the pharmacy first to confirm that the required vaccine is available and doesn’t require a prescription. Also, ask if the vaccine is free or has lower-cost solutions for un- or underinsured individuals, and which insurance is accepted for people who are insured. For adults vaccinating children, confirm age guidelines for that specific location. For more information, speak with your local pharmacist.

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