During the pandemic recession HHS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued a protocol change to allowed increase access childhood vaccines, that made possible Hy-Vee pharmacy vaccination possible now. Recently HHS announced, that pharmacists will be entitled to give flu shots, but hey decided to expand it. “This will 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.”
270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy Vaccination Sites
In response to this decision Hy-Vee, Inc. told, that they will offer childhood vaccinations through its more than 270 pharmacy locations in eight states. Immunization usually given at well-child during the plan visit to a physician, but now Hy-Vee pharmacist can be administered, 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.”
Besides, clients can complete and submit their Vaccine Consent Form as well as book an appointment for vaccinations or flu shots in advance online 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,” – company stated.
Hy-Vee Safety Rules
- 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.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), report issued in May 2020, childhood immunizations was reduced. Those facts are connected to COVID-19 infection, that took more than 200 000 lives in U. S. only. According to the statistics every 1 in 3 parents plan to skip flu shots for their kids this year.
“Most child health providers have made changes to their office environment to keep children safe during office visits and vaccinations,” says Sarah Clark, M.P.H. “Parents who are concerned about COVID exposure should contact their child’s provider to learn about what types of precautions have been put in place.”
“We may see peaks of flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which could overwhelm the health care system, strain testing capacity and potentially reduce our ability to catch and treat both respiratory illnesses effectively,” – Sarah Clark summed up.
