All Walgreens pharmacies and Healthcare Clinics now offering bacterial meningitis vaccine daily

DEERFIELD, Ill. - Walgreens is now offering vaccinations that provide protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease (bacterial meningitis) at all of its pharmacies, including Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and Healthcare Clinics nationwide.

“We support the recommendations of health officials and stress that vaccination is the best protection against meningitis,” stated Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners continue to play an important role in providing more convenient access to vaccinations and other preventive services, and these new vaccines can be instrumental in helping to control meningitis.”

Vaccinations are available daily without an appointment and may be covered by insurance.

Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners can administer the new meningitis B vaccines (Bexsero or Trumenba) in most states to individuals ages 10 through 25. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically recommends that meningitis B vaccines may be given to provide short term protection to anyone 16 to 23 years of age.

Meningitis spreads through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions and primarily affects adolescents and young adults. Teens and adults whose immunity has faded or live in close quarters, such as college dormitories, may also be at risk.

In addition to the meningitis B vaccines, Walgreens also offers the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines that protect against four serogroups (A, C, W and Y). Patients are encouraged to speak to a health care professional or pharmacist to determine their vaccination needs.