What you should know about getting vaccinated at the pharmacy

Treating disease is a key part of healthcare, but preventing infection is perhaps even more important—and beneficial to our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how crucial vaccines are for global health. 

You do not have to think too much about vaccines because they are often part of your yearly routine. Children are on a vaccine schedule with their pediatricians, and adults can get flu shots at their annual doctor visits or at their local pharmacy for their convenience.

Pharmacists began giving vaccines in the United States in the 1990s, and today, pharmacists in all 50 states and Puerto Rico can administer vaccinations. As a pharmacist, I’m answering the most common questions I hear about pharmacy immunization.

Why are vaccines important?

A vaccine is a preparation of microorganisms, either live or inactive, that produces or increases immunity to a particular disease. Vaccines date back hundreds of years—the first smallpox vaccine was developed in the late 1700s. They’ve nearly eradicated diseases that once cost many lives, such as diphtheria. 

Children who receive recommended immunizations have a very low chance of ever experiencing diseases such as chickenpox, measles, rubella, or pertussis. 

When most of the population is immunized, it creates “herd immunity” for those who are not able to receive vaccines. In other words, the chance of the disease being introduced into a population is very low when vaccine rates are high.

What vaccines do I need?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains two recommended immunization schedules, one for children, and one for adults. These recommend what vaccines should be given and when, along with information on boosters (or re-vaccination). 

Vaccines begin at a very early age. Most babies receive their first hepatitis B shot shortly after birth, likely before even leaving the hospital. Then, children continue receiving vaccinations through the age of 16. Most schools and organized activities require up-to-date immunizations for participation—including colleges and universities.

As an adult, additional vaccines are recommended depending on your year of birth. Some adults require boosters of previous vaccines, or a catch-up vaccine schedule if they did not get a vaccine when it was originally recommended. There may be others that your healthcare provider recommends based on your specific health history.

RELATED: Vaccinations to consider once you turn 50

Where can I get vaccines?

Prior to the 1990s, vaccines were given almost exclusively in physician’s offices, by a doctor or a trained nurse. In 1996, the American Pharmacist’s Association (APhA) formed the Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program to make vaccines more accessible to the public. Today, you can walk into almost any pharmacy and receive a variety of vaccines.

What is immunization certification?

The Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program was endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a certificate training program that gives pharmacists the skills needed to administer and recommend vaccines. 

Why should I get my vaccine at the pharmacy?

Honestly, because it is so easy! Pharmacies typically offer vaccines on a walk-in basis, so you can go whenever it’s convenient. There’s no need to take a day off of work or to make an extra appointment at the doctor’s office.

Pharmacists are highly trained in vaccines and medications. Do you take steroids or other immunosuppressant drugs? Your pharmacist will know what vaccines are safe to administer, or how long you need to be off of certain drugs before you can be vaccinated. Pharmacists also know which vaccines can be given at the same time and can set up reminders to come back for the next dose if your vaccine is a series requiring more than one administration. 

It is important to keep your immunization history accessible and bring it with you when you get your vaccines. Pharmacists can update it for you and report any vaccines to your physician so that your records are updated.

When should I not get vaccinated at the pharmacy?

Occasionally, there may be times where it is best to receive your vaccine in a doctor’s office. One example would be if there is the potential for an allergic reaction. Many seasonal flu vaccines carry a warning for patients who have allergies to components such as latex or eggs. If you have a history of these allergies, it may be best to receive your vaccine in a doctor’s office. Your physician may choose to pre-medicate you to decrease the chance for a reaction. 

There may also be situations where your doctor recommends a vaccine, but you don’t meet the protocol criteria for a pharmacy. For instance, an immunocompromised patient with underlying lung disease may need to get a pneumonia vaccine at a younger age than what most protocols will allow a pharmacy to do. Or, a younger child might not be included in the pharmacy age group. Every pharmacy has different policies for which vaccines they can give and what ages they can serve. 

Will my insurance pay for a pharmacy vaccination?

Many prescription insurance plans cover vaccines administered in a pharmacy. Additionally, pharmacies can often bill vaccines to certain medical insurance plans (the plan you typically use when you go to the doctor’s office or hospital). Overall, vaccine coverage by insurance plans is very good. Vaccines are considered preventive, and getting a vaccine can save you illness, lost wages, and expenses from getting sick with the disease. Coverage may vary, so it is best to check with your plan before heading to the pharmacy. 

Most vaccines are covered under Medicare Part D plans, including the herpes zoster vaccine, better known as the “shingles shot.” There are some vaccines that are always covered by Medicare Part B: influenza (flu), pneumococcal, and hepatitis B. There are some instances when other vaccines may be covered under Part B if you have been directly exposed to a disease. For instance, a tetanus vaccine will be covered under Part B after a puncture wound. While most pharmacies are contracted with Medicare Part D plans, not all are contracted with Medicare Part B. Just ask the pharmacy staff.

RELATED: How do I get a free or discounted flu shot?

Most pharmacies check the insurance billing and let you know your out-of-pocket responsibility before giving you the vaccine. If the price is shocking, you can always wait. This avoids a surprise bill in the mail months later. Pharmacy vaccine pricing and copays are very transparent—be sure to check SingleCare for your best price on vaccines, too.

Pharmacists and their teams have a wealth of knowledge about vaccines. They are easily accessible healthcare professionals. No appointment is required, and their professional wisdom and advice is typically available at no additional charge. Ready to get a vaccine? Curious if you need a certain vaccine? Stop by and see your pharmacist today.