Immunizations & Vaccines

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for adults and children 12+.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is COVID-19?

• COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that produces respiratory symptoms in most people. It can spread quickly through droplets from mouth/nose of people when you breathe, cough, squeeze or speak. People may experience a variety of symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, fatigue.
• For COVID-19 vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 18+ (Massachusetts only: available for those 5+).
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - People who are not at risk but would like protection from Hepatitis A.
  - People who are at risk for Hepatitis A infection.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is Hepatitis A?

• Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is found in the stool of the infected person. The virus attacks your liver and can cause symptoms such as jaundice (yellow eyes, skin), darkening of urine, severe diarrhea, stomach pain and flu-like symptoms (fever/chills, sore throat). HAV is spread by eating food and drinking water that is contaminated with the virus and by close contact with an infected person.
• For Hepatitis A vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 19+ (Massachusetts only: available for those 5+).
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - Adults 19 to 59 years old who lack documentation of Hepatitis B 3-dose series.
  - Adults 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection or those who would like to be vaccinated.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is Hepatitis B?

• Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus can spread when individuals come in contact with contaminated blood (cuts, bites and open skin wounds of an infected person) or in contact with bodily fluids (by having unprotected sexual intercourse). A baby can get infected if the mother is infected. People can also be infected if they come in contact with a contaminated object. For example, sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes. People who are infected can get short-term symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), fatigue, muscle aches and feeling very tired.
• For Hepatitis B vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 19+.
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - Adults 50 years and older.
  - Adults 19 years and older who have a weakened immune system due to disease or therapy.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is Shingles?

• Shingles or Herpes Zoster is a disease caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) – this virus also causes chicken pox. It appears as a painful skin rash sometimes with blisters. The rash can appear on one side of the face or one side of the body with symptoms of pain. The symptoms can last from 2-4 weeks. Other symptoms include fever/chills, headaches and upset stomach.
• For Shingles vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 18+ (Massachusetts only: available for those 5+).
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - People through 26 years of age who have not completed the series or wish to be vaccinated.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

• HPV is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and most infections do not cause symptoms.
• For HPV vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations:
  - New York, flu shots are available for adults and children ages 2+.
  - New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, flu shots are available for adults and children ages 3+.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is Influenza (Flu)?

• Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness for people and be spread by droplets from the mouth/nose of people when you breathe, cough, sneeze or speak. People may experience a variety of symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue.
• For Influenza (Flu) vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 18+ (Massachusetts only: available for those 5+).
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - First-year college students living in a residential facility, who were never vaccinated, who were last vaccinated when younger than age 16 years, or who were vaccinated after 16 years but more than 5 years earlier.
  - Adults ages 19 through 21 years who have not been vaccinated with a dose since before 16 years-old.
  - Those who are at increased risk of exposure to meningitis B due to outbreak or have a weakened immune system due to disease or therapy.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is Meningitis?

• Meningitis is a bacterial infection in the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can cause significant sickness. People can damage their nervous system and severe cases may lead to amputation of their arms or legs. Symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, headache and stiff neck. It can be spread from person to person by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing or kissing, or especially if living in the same dorm rooms or household.
• For Meningitis vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 18+ (Massachusetts only: available for those 5+).
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - People who do not show evidence of immunity, including:
  - No documentation of vaccine.
  - Born in the U.S. in 1957 or later.
  - Healthcare workers.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is MMR?

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella are serious diseases caused by a virus. They are contagious and can spread from person to person through air particles. These are most commonly seen in children. Since the use of vaccines, the incidence of these diseases has declined in the United States.
• Measles: The most common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, eye irritations, and runny nose. It can also lead to seizures and pneumonia.
• Mumps: The most common symptoms include fever, headache, loss of appetite, and swollen glands. It can also cause complications such as meningitis, testicular inflammation, and deafness.
• Rubella: The most common symptoms include mild fever, rash and arthritis. Pregnant women that become infected have a higher risk of complications with their pregnancy, including miscarriage.
• For MMR vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 19+
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - Those ages 50 years and older
  - Those ages 19-49 with certain health conditions

What is Pneumonia?

• Pneumonia is an infection caused by either bacteria or a virus. It can lead to serious infections in your lungs, blood, and brain. Anyone can get pneumonia, but it is most common in people who are 65 years and older, smokers, and those with a weak immune system. The most common symptoms include cough, fever/chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Getting the vaccine can help prevent death from pneumonia.
• For Pneumonia vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• People 75 years or older
• People between 50-74 years old who are at increased risk of severe RSV (eligibility based on certain medical conditions)

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically will cause mild, cold-like symptoms. For most people, they will recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for some individuals. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and may require hospitalization. Vaccines are now available to help protect older adults from severe RSV.
• For Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 18+ (Massachusetts only: available for those 5+).
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - Those who have not received Tdap as an adolescent or adult.
  - Those who have not received a Tdap booster in the last 10 years.
  - Pregnant women during weeks 27-36 of pregnancy.
  - Those directly caring for an infant.

What are Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis?

• Tetanus infection is caused by bacteria. It produces a poisonous toxin in your body that can cause painful muscle contractions and muscle spasms. It mainly affects muscles in the neck and abdomen. It can cause problems such as breathing complications, difficulty swallowing, seizures, and death. The bacteria do not spread from person to person, but instead through deep cuts and wounds in the skin.
• Diphtheria is caused by a toxin producing bacteria – it creates a thick membrane to cover the back of your throat. It can lead to upper respiratory tract infections and cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and also death.
• Pertussis (whooping cough) is very contagious and causes severe coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and difficulty sleeping. The cough has a distinct sound or “whoop,” leading to its name. Continuous coughing can cause hospitalizations and can make you pass out. Pertussis can cause severe symptoms in children such as seizures, pneumonia, brain damage, and death.
• For Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine information, please click here.

Eligibility:

• Available at pharmacy locations for ages 18+ (Massachusetts only: available for those 5+).
• Individuals who may need to receive this vaccination:
  - People with no evidence of varicella immunity, including:
  - People born in the U.S. in 1980 or later.
  - Healthcare workers.
  - People not born in the U.S.
• Eligibility will be reviewed with a pharmacist at the time of the appointment.

What is Varicella (Chicken Pox)?

• Varicella or chicken pox is caused by a virus. It is most commonly seen in children. The symptoms can include rash, itching, fever, and fatigue. It can also lead to scars from chicken pox blisters, severe skin infections, and bacterial infections such as pneumonia. The virus can be spread from person to person through direct contact or through air particles (i.e., coughing). Most people who get vaccinated will not develop chicken pox.
• For Varicella vaccine information, please click here.