WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  — Hy-Vee, Inc. is now offering childhood vaccinations through its more than 270 pharmacy locations in eight states. Immunizations typically given at well-child visits by a physician can now be administered by a Hy-Vee pharmacist without a prescription or an appointment. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover immunizations at no charge. The news comes at a time when many families are making plans to get their annual flu shot – of which Hy-Vee has plenty of supply.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued a protocol change to increase access to lifesaving childhood vaccines. To help avoid vaccine-preventable diseases from spreading as children return to daycares and schools, HHS has authorized state-licensed pharmacists to administer FDA-approved vaccines to children age three to 18 years.

“While many families have stayed at home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, these critical milestone immunizations may have been missed,” says Aaron Wiese, senior vice president and chief health officer at Hy-Vee. “Health and wellness are central to our mission, and we’re proud to partner with parents to help keep children and communities healthy by offering a convenient way to ensure kids’ vaccinations are up to date.”

Also, customers are now able to complete and submit their Vaccine Consent Form as well as book an appointment for vaccinations or flu shots in advance online at https://www.hy-vee.com/my-pharmacy for anyone in their family.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hy-Vee continues to follow CDC guidelines for safety and precautions. Our stores, including our pharmacy areas, maintain enhanced cleaning regimens, social distancing protocols and Plexiglas shields at registers and customer service counters. Below are key measures Hy-Vee has implemented to ensure the safe administration of immunizations for our patients and pharmacy team members:

• All Hy-Vee pharmacy team members are required to wear face masks at all times, including while administering immunizations.
• Any patient with COVID-19-like symptoms or who has had prolonged exposure to a positive case should wait the appropriate amount of time prior to receiving their vaccine for the health and safety of our patients and team members.
• Patients receiving a vaccination will need to wear a face covering.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found a drop in childhood immunizations in a report issued in May 2020. Because the decrease in childhood vaccination rates is a public health threat, HHS has expanded access to childhood vaccines to avoid preventable disease spread in children which could cause additional strains on the healthcare system.