Big Y Pharmacy offers the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible patients 5 years and older. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, we offer the COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to shoppers. Click Here for more information on our COVID-19 FAQs page.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads from person to person through sneezing, coughing and nasal secretions. Individuals are the most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their symptoms begin and can spread the flu before experiencing symptoms.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
• All patients 6 months and older to get the flu vaccine every year.
• To get the flu vaccine by the end of October because it takes about 2 weeks after the shot to be protected from the flu.
• Using any age-appropriate flu vaccine. The CDC does not recommend one vaccine over the other. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is best for you.
• Vaccines available:
• Quadrivalent (protects against 4 strains of the flu)
• Flu Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older (Fluzone High Dose and Fluad)
• For more information about the flu and COVID-19, please click here.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that is spread from person-to-person by direct contact of respiratory secretions. Just one dose of the Prevnar20™ vaccine helps protect against 20 strains of the bacteria that can cause pneumococcal pneumonia.

• The CDC recommends the Prevnar20™ vaccine for:
• Adults 65 years and older with no history of Prevnar20™
• People ages 19 to 64 of age with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease
• People ages 19 to 64 with an immunocompromising condition such as a weakened immune system, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or Cochlear implant
• Adults 19 to 64 years of age who are cigarette smokers
• If you have already received Prevnar13, you may be due for a dose of Pneumovax23™ or Prevnar20™.
• Vaccines available:
• Prevnar20™, Pneumovax23™

Shingles is a non-contagious, painful rash that can contain blisters that typically scab over in 7-10 days. The rash typically develops on one side of the body or face, most commonly occurring and wrapping around one side of the torso. Within 2 to 4 weeks, the rash usually resolves, but the pain can last for months or years.

• The CDC recommends that healthy individuals 50 years and older receive 2 doses of the shingles vaccines even if they have already had shingles, have already received Zostavax and regardless of having the chickenpox as a child or not.
• Vaccine available:
• Shingrix®

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria getting into cuts or wounds on broken skin. Tetanus can be severe and cause difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, paralysis, and even death.

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that is spread when an infected person sneezes/coughs or when open sores of an infected individual are touched. The infection causes a thick coating of dead tissue in the nose or throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow.

Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough. Whooping cough is a contagious infection that spreads when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or is close to other people.

The CDC recommends the following patients to be vaccinated:

• Patients under 7 years old: 5 dose series>
• Adults 18 years and older: 1 dose of Tdap, followed by a booster (Tdap, Td) every 10 years.
• Pregnant women are recommended to receive 1 dose of Tdap during each pregnancy.
• Available vaccines: Boostrix® (Tdap), Adacel® (Tdap), Tenivac ® (Td)

Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that affects the liver. It is found in the stool of infected individuals and spreads by being in close contact with an infected individual or by ingesting the virus from contaminated food or drinks. Most individuals who contract the disease will feel sick for several weeks, but most of the time people recover without long-lasting liver damage. However, in rare cases this virus can cause liver failure and death.

• The CDC recommends the Hepatitis A vaccination for:
• All children between 12 months and 18 years should receive a dose 2 series separated by at least 6 months
• People at increased risk for Hepatitis A including (but not limited to) those at occupational risk, traveling internationally, or using injectable drugs.
• People with preexisting disease states who are at increased risk for severe disease from Hepatitis A infection

• Vaccines available:
• Havrix®, Vaqta®, and Twinrix®(Combination of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B)

Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that affects the liver’s ability to function properly. It is spread through blood and other body fluids of an infected person, which can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles/syringes, or from a mother to her baby at birth.

• The CDC recommends the Hepatitis B vaccination for:
• All infants and unvaccinated children under 19 years old
• People at risk for infection by sexual intercourse, injecting drugs, or traveling internationally
• People with Hepatitis C infection, chronic liver disease, or HIV infection
• People in jail and people seeking protection from HBV infection

• Vaccines available:
• Recombivax HB®, Energix-B®, Heplisav-B®, and Twinrix® (contains both Hepatitis A and B)

Meningitis is a swelling in the lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by a bacterial infection. This bacteria can also infect the blood stream causing a condition known as sepsis. This bacteria is spread to others through respiratory and throat secretions such as saliva.

• The CDC recommends:
• Children 2 - 10 years old receive the Menactra® or Menveo® vaccine if they have certain medical conditions or are at an increased risk due to an outbreak
• All children 11 - 12 years old should receive the Menactra® or Menveo® vaccine with a booster dose at 16 years old
• Teenagers/ young adults between 16 – 23 years old should also get the Bexsero® or Trumenba® vaccine especially if they have certain medical conditions or are at an increased risk

• Vaccines available:
• Menactra®, Menveo®, Bexsero® and Trumenba®

Measles, mumps, and rubella are all contagious viruses that can cause acute illness with long term complications such as brain damage, deafness and miscarriage. These viruses are spread through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.

• The CDC recommends:
• All children get two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Adults who have not been vaccinated should get at least 1 dose of the MMR vaccine.

• M-M-R II ®