DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has begun providing bacterial meningitis vaccinations at all of its pharmacies and in-store clinics on a walk-in basis.

The drug chain said Monday that the new meningitis B vaccines, Bexsero and Trumenba, protect against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease. The immunizations, which may be covered by insurance, are available daily at all Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies and at Healthcare Clinics nationwide.

“We support the recommendations of health officials and stress that vaccination is the best protection against meningitis,” said Richard Ashworth, president of pharmacy and retail operations for Walgreens. “Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners continue to play an important role in providing more convenient access to vaccinations and other preventive services, and these new vaccines can be instrumental in helping to control meningitis.”

Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners can administer Bexsero and Trumenba in most states to people ages 10 to 25. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that meningitis B vaccines may be given to provide short-term protection to anyone ages 16 to 23.

Mainly affecting adolescents and young adults, meningitis spreads through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions. Teens and adults whose immunity has faded or live in close quarters, such as college dormitories, may also be at risk.

Walgreens added that it also offers the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines that protect against four serogroups (A, C, W and Y). Patients are encouraged to speak to a health care professional or pharmacist to determine their vaccination needs.