Blue Cross Blue Shield members 18 years of age and older with pharmacy benefits can now go to a participating Express Scripts retail pharmacy to receive 11 different immunizations. In Massachusetts, the pharmacist must be registered and licensed to administer the vaccine. Since requirements vary in other states, members should contact their local pharmacy to confirm availability.
Previously, only the flu vaccine was available from a retail pharmacy. Vaccines are covered with no cost share to the member and a prescription is not required.
The vaccines that can be administered at a retail pharmacy are:
• Chicken pox
• Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• HPV
• Influenza
• Measles, mumps, rubella
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Polio
• Shingles (ages 60 and older only)
Of course, members can also continue to get their immunizations at their doctor’s office or at an outpatient clinic. The addition of the pharmacy option is intended to expand our members’ access to these preventive services. Members should contact their pharmacy directly to confirm if a pharmacist is available to administer any of these vaccines.
This immunization availability at the pharmacy applies to all Commercial HMO, PPO, POS, and Access Blue plans with pharmacy benefits and Medicare Supplemental plans with pharmacy benefits, including Medex and Managed Blue for Seniors. This change does not apply to Medicare Advantage plans.