Big Y Pharmacy offers the updated COVID-19 vaccine to eligible patients 12 years and older. 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.

• 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.
• Vaccines available at Big Y Pharmacies:
• Quadrivalent (protects against 4 strains of the flu) for ages 5 years and up.
• Flu Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older (Fluzone™ High Dose and Fluad™)

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious in certain high risk individuals. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to adults over the age of 60 if they are at an increased risk of RSV infection.

• Patients 60 years and older with factors that may increase their RSV risk include:
• Frailty;
• Advanced age;
• Residence in a long-term care facility;
• Lung disease;
• Cardiovascular disease;
• Moderate to severe immune compromise;
• Diabetes;
• Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions;
• Kidney disorders;
• Liver disorders;
• Hematologic disorders

Talk with your pharmacist or health care provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for you.
Click here for more information from the CDC

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

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.

• The CDC recommends that healthy individuals 50 years and older receive 2 doses of the Shingrix® vaccine.
• Now $0 with insurance.*

*Restrictions may apply.

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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

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.

• The CDC recommends:
• Children 2 - 10 years old receive the 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 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

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.

HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. This virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Certain types of HPV can cause health problems such as genital warts and cancers.

• The CDC recommends:
• Everyone ages 9 through 26 should receive an HPV vaccine series if they have not been fully vaccinated.