Hy-Vee Inc. said Aug. 27 that the flu vaccine is available without an appointment or prescription at its more than 270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations throughout its eight-state region.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people six months and older get a flu vaccine each year to prevent getting and spreading the flu virus.
Hy-Vee Healthy You mobiles can be reserved for flu vaccine clinics as a convenient health and wellness benefit for a company’s employees. Clinics typically are held September through November, and can be scheduled by emailing [email protected].
Hy-Vee pharmacists conduct a screening process to ensure they’re administering the vaccine type most beneficial for each person. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions and those persons ages 65 and older. Medicare and most insurance plans cover the flu vaccine and other immunizations at no charge.
Flu vaccines are available in Hy-Vee pharmacies on a walk-in basis without a prescription, as allowed per state law during regular pharmacy hours. Hy-Vee pharmacists can administer the vaccine to individuals outside of the age-specific guidelines listed below with a prescription. In West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee’s eight-state region, the state laws are:
- Illinois: Ages 10 years and older
- Iowa: Ages 6 years and older
- Kansas: Ages 6 years and older
- Minnesota: Ages 6 years and older
- Missouri: Ages 7 years and older
- Nebraska: Ages 6 months and older
- South Dakota: Ages 6 months and older
- Wisconsin: Ages 6 years and older
Each person who receives a flu vaccine at a Hy-Vee Pharmacy will also receive a 20 cents per gallon Fuel Saver discount, which can be redeemed at any Hy-Vee Gas or Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh location.
In addition to the flu vaccine, Hy-Vee pharmacists are trained and certified in administering pneumonia, shingles, measles and many other vaccines. No prescription is required. If a person is not sure which vaccines he/she may need, Hy-Vee pharmacists can provide complimentary immunization screenings.
