Flu season is coming up fast and many drugstores including Walgreens and CVS are stocked up on flu vaccinations. Certified pharmacists are just as capable at immunizing as nurses and doctors and provide convenience as many require no appointment.
Walgreens received their supply of flu vaccinations in early August, and CVS recently started advertising their availability, as well. Pharmacies offer a great convenience, in that they have expanded hours compared to a doctor’s office. Stores that are 24 hours will often allow you to come at any time of the day provided there is a certified immunizer working. Combined with not having to make an appointment, this offers a big opportunity for patients and saves stress and schedule conflict. With the increased push on immunizing, most pharmacists will be certified in many chains.
Pharmacies may be able to bill your medical insurance for the flu vaccine. Medicare Part B is accepted and will cover the flu vaccine at 100 percent for eligible patients. Medicaid is often accepted, as well. For patients whose medical plans don’t cover the vaccine, the benefit of pharmacies is that they can also attempt to bill your prescription insurance, as well.
Pharmacists must be certified in order to immunize, and are just as skilled and safe as nurse and doctors at immunizing. They go through first aid and CPR training as a precaution. There is no danger in having a pharmacist immunize you. You should never have a technician or an uncertified pharmacist administering the vaccination.
There are few cons to choosing a pharmacist to administer your vaccination. One potential con is if your pharmacy is busy, you may still have to wait a while before getting your shot. The way to avoid this is to go during the pharmacy’s slow periods. Pharmacies are often busier on Mondays and between lunch hours and after-work hours (4:30-6:30 p.m.). To avoid a rush, go on the weekends or mid-week and go early in the morning. You may call ahead to give the pharmacist advance notice, as well, though not required.
Another con is that some medical plans may not be able to be billed at your pharmacy. If this is the case, you may contact your insurer and see if you can send in your receipt and get reimbursed. Another related issue is that some plans may not cover flu vaccinations at all. To compensate for this, some pharmacy chains give coupons for in the store to customers who get vaccinated. Walgreens offers a discount to members of its Prescription Savings Club.
In addition, certain age groups may not be able to be vaccinated by a pharmacist depending on state laws. Minors may be able to be vaccinated by a pharmacist, but may require a prescription from a doctor. To avoid delay, call ahead and ask the pharmacy about any requirements.
So what can you expect when getting a vaccination at the pharmacy? When you arrive, the technician or pharmacist will register you in the computer if you are not a patient there, which only takes about one minute. Then, they will ask for your insurance and will attempt to bill it before letting you know what your co-pay will be. Next, they will have you fill out a short questionnaire to ensure that it is safe for you to get the vaccine. You should be given a copy of the CDC’s information sheet on the vaccine. They may also offer to contact your doctor afterwards to let them know you had your shot.
Once you have paid and have finished the paperwork, the pharmacist will come out and meet you. Some pharmacies have separate rooms for immunizing or screens to keep you hidden from other patients if you desire. The pharmacist will ask a few questions, as well as answer any questions you have. They should have an Epipen nearby in case of reaction. Once the shot is administered, they will ask you that you stay around for a short while in case you have a reaction.
Overall, the whole transaction will only take about 15 minutes (plus the time you wait around afterwards) if the pharmacy is not busy and is a quick and easy alternative to the doctor’s office. The pharmacist will also be willing to counsel if you have any concerns. The pharmacy as a business is expanding, and it’s all to your benefit.
Disclaimer
This article was not endorsed by any pharmacy, including any pharmacies mentioned above, and was written based on my own personal knowledge and past experiences as a pharmacy technician as well as being a customer of flu shots at my local pharmacy. This article is not meant to replace any medical advice or counsel from your doctor or pharmacist.