Walgreens travel health services and what they cover
Walgreens offers travel vaccinations, travel health consultations, and some travel medicine supplies at most of its pharmacy locations. You can walk in to a Walgreens pharmacy and speak with a pharmacist about vaccines you may need for your destination, or you can schedule an appointment in advance through the Walgreens website or by calling your local store. The pharmacist will review your travel dates, destination, and medical history to discuss which vaccines might be recommended.
The vaccines Walgreens pharmacists can administer include yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and routine vaccines like flu and COVID-19. Not every location stocks every vaccine, so availability depends on your store and how far in advance you book. Walgreens also sells travel health items like antimalarial medications (by prescription), insect repellent, and first-aid supplies.
Pricing varies by vaccine and location. Most insurance plans cover routine travel vaccines, but some travel-specific vaccines may require you to pay out of pocket. You can check your insurance coverage before your visit, or ask the pharmacist what your cost will be when you arrive or call ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Walgreens pharmacists can administer common travel vaccines including yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and Japanese encephalitis at most locations.
- You can walk in or schedule an appointment through the Walgreens website or by calling your local pharmacy to discuss your travel destination and vaccination needs.
- Not all vaccines are stocked at every location, so calling ahead or booking online helps may support the vaccine you need is available.
- Insurance coverage for travel vaccines varies; routine vaccines are usually covered, but some travel-specific shots may require out-of-pocket payment.
- Walgreens also sells travel health items like insect repellent, antimalarial medications (by prescription), and travel first-aid supplies.
How to schedule a travel health appointment at Walgreens
You can book a travel health consultation and vaccination appointment through the Walgreens website by selecting your store location and choosing an available time slot. The online booking system will ask you for basic information like your travel dates and destination. You can also call your local Walgreens pharmacy directly to schedule an appointment or ask about vaccine availability.
If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, most Walgreens pharmacies will see you, though wait times may be longer during busy seasons. Bringing your passport or travel itinerary helps the pharmacist understand your destination and recommend the right vaccines. You should also bring your insurance card and any records of vaccines you have already received.
Vaccines available at Walgreens for different destinations
The vaccines you may need depend on where you are traveling. Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry to some countries in Africa and South America, and Walgreens can administer it. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for travel to parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for most international travel outside Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travel to rural areas of East and Southeast Asia during transmission season. Rabies vaccine is recommended for travelers who may have contact with animals or who are traveling to areas where rabies is common and medical care is limited. Routine vaccines like flu and COVID-19 are also available and recommended before travel.
The specific vaccines recommended for your trip depend on your exact destination, the season you are traveling, how long you will be there, and what activities you plan to do. A Walgreens pharmacist can discuss these factors with you and explain which vaccines are recommended versus required for your destination.
Timing your travel vaccination appointment
Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks or months apart, so timing matters. Yellow fever vaccine is given as a single dose, but it takes 10 days to become effective, so you should get it at least 10 days before travel. Hepatitis A requires two doses given 6 to 12 months apart, so if you have never had it, you should start early if possible.
Hepatitis B also requires multiple doses over several months if you have never been vaccinated. Typhoid vaccine can be given as a single shot or as a series of oral doses, depending on which version is available. Japanese encephalitis requires two doses given 28 days apart.
Most travel health experts recommend scheduling your appointment 4 to 6 weeks before departure to allow time for multiple doses and for your immune system to respond. If you are traveling sooner, tell the pharmacist your timeline — some vaccines can still be given on a shorter schedule, though protection may not be complete.
Cost and insurance coverage for Walgreens travel vaccines
Insurance coverage for travel vaccines varies widely. Medicare does not cover most travel vaccines, though some supplemental plans may. Private insurance plans sometimes cover routine vaccines like flu and COVID-19, but coverage for travel-specific vaccines like yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis is less common. Medicaid coverage also varies by state.
If your insurance does not cover a vaccine, you will pay out of pocket. Costs vary by vaccine and location, but travel vaccines typically range from $50 to $300 per dose. The pharmacist can tell you the cost before you receive the vaccine, and you can ask about payment options if cost is a concern.
Some employers offer travel health benefits or reimbursement for travel vaccines if you are traveling for work. Check your employee benefits or ask your human resources department whether your employer covers travel health services.
Travel health items and medications at Walgreens
Beyond vaccines, Walgreens carries items that support travel health. Insect repellent with DEET is available in various strengths and formulations. Antimalarial medications like atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) and doxycycline are available by prescription, and a Walgreens pharmacist can discuss whether antimalarial medication is recommended for your destination.
Walgreens also stocks travel first-aid kits, motion sickness medication, anti-diarrheal medication, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Some locations carry altitude sickness medication and other specialty travel health items. You can ask the pharmacy staff what travel health products are in stock at your location.
What to bring to your Walgreens travel health appointment
Bring your passport or a note about your destination and travel dates so the pharmacist knows exactly where you are going and when. Bring your insurance card if you have one, so the pharmacist can check coverage. Bring any vaccination records you have, including a yellow fever vaccination card if you have been vaccinated before, because some countries require proof of prior yellow fever vaccination.
If you take other medications or have allergies or medical conditions, bring a list or your medication bottles. This helps the pharmacist make sure travel vaccines are safe for you and do not interact with your current medications. If you have had a severe reaction to a vaccine in the past, tell the pharmacist before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a yellow fever vaccine at Walgreens?
Yes, most Walgreens locations administer yellow fever vaccine, though availability varies by store. Call ahead or book online to confirm your location has it in stock. Yellow fever vaccine takes 10 days to become effective, so schedule your appointment at least 10 days before travel.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in for travel vaccines?
You can walk in to most Walgreens pharmacies without an appointment, but wait times may be longer during peak seasons. Scheduling online or calling ahead ensures the vaccine you need is in stock and reduces your wait time.
What if my insurance does not cover my travel vaccine?
You can pay out of pocket; costs vary by vaccine but typically range from $50 to $300 per dose. Ask the pharmacist for the exact cost before you receive the vaccine. Some employers offer travel health benefits, so check with your human resources department.
How far in advance should I schedule a travel vaccination appointment?
Schedule 4 to 6 weeks before travel if possible, since some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks apart. If you are traveling sooner, tell the pharmacist your timeline — some vaccines can still be given on a shorter schedule, though protection may not be complete.
Can Walgreens prescribe antimalarial medication?
Yes, a Walgreens pharmacist can discuss whether antimalarial medication is recommended for your destination and can fill a prescription if your doctor writes one. Antimalarial options include atovaquone-proguanil and doxycycline, among others.