Walgreens expands vaccination offerings across Massachusetts

DEERFIELD, Ill. — With new Massachusetts state regulations allowing pharmacists to administer a broad range of immunizations, Walgreens has significantly expanded vaccine availability at all of its 165 locations across the state, and now is offering immunizations daily for 12 vaccines currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the retail pharmacy operator announced Wednesday.

  

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved new regulations in April, giving certified pharmacists the ability to administer a variety of vaccines including Zostavax — a one-time vaccine that can reduce the risk of shingles in individuals ages 60 years and older — and other vaccines that can help protect against whooping cough (pertussis), pneumonia and meningitis. Eight other CDC-recommended vaccinations, including flu shots, also are available daily at all Massachusetts Walgreens pharmacies with no appointment necessary.



“With more than 26,000 immunizations-trained pharmacists, we’ve demonstrated through flu season and other health initiatives the important role Walgreens can play in providing convenient neighborhood access to immunizations and other preventive healthcare services,” Walgreens market pharmacy director Steve Pashko said. “As some of the most trusted health care professionals in communities across our state, this is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help educate residents about the importance of adult vaccinations and collaborate further with our local healthcare providers to help improve adult immunization rates in our communities.”



The full list of vaccines available for adults 18 years of age and older, include:

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  Influenza;

  
  


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  Tetanus;

  
  


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  Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap);

  
  


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  Varicella;

  
  


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  Human papillomavirus (HPV);

  
  


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  Zoster;

  
  


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  Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR);

  
  


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  Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PSV23);

  
  


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  Meningococcal;

  
  


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  Hepatitis A;

  
  


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  Hepatitis B; and

  
  


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  Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV).

  
  

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