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Child is vaccinated

Vaccine Resource Center

NEA encourages widespread use of safe and effective vaccines for educators and students. We've collected the following information and resources to help educators and parents make an informed decision about how best to protect themselves and their students.

Importance of Vaccines

Childhood vaccination is essential because it helps provide immunity before students are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.  Pediatricians have seen a sharp decrease in vaccinations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that could lead to greater disruption of school. When students are not vaccinated, they are at greater risk of getting diseases like measles, flu, COVID-19, and hepatitis B. Ensuring that students and educators are up to date with their vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect against serious but preventable diseases.   

COVID-19 and Flu in Schools

Why are we encouraging educators and students to get vaccinated? It’s simple:

  • It's safe and effective. The vaccines currently being administered in the U.S. have passed the Food and Drug Administration's rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness. To date, millions of people have been safely and effectively vaccinated against COVID and the flu.
  • COVID and flu vaccines are widely available. To find a vaccination site near you, text your zip code to 438829, call 1-800-232-0233, or check out this interactive map.
  • It's free. Like most childhood vaccines, the COVID vaccine is free—either through insurance coverage or a federal program administered by a local government or community clinic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a portal for locating a free vaccination site near you.
  • It's convenient. Most students and educators will be able get a COVID booster at the same time they receive their flu vaccination. 

How do I get a vaccine?

Educators and school personnel in K-12 schools now have access to the COVID-19 and the flu vaccine. Find COVID-19 or flu vaccines near you ›

  • Alabama

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Alaska

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Arizona

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • The Kroger Co.
    • Walgreens
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Arkansas

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • CPESN USA, LLC

    Suggested Further Reading

  • California

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • Walgreens
    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Colorado

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • The Kroger Co.
    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Connecticut

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Delaware

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Florida

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Publix Super Markets, Inc.
    • Southeastern Grocers
    • Walmart, Inc.
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Georgia

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • The Kroger Co.
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Hawaii

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Idaho

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • Walmart, Inc.
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Illinois

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    Outside Chicago:

    • Walgreens
    • Walmart, Inc.

    In Chicago:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Indiana

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • The Kroger Co.
    • Meijer Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Iowa

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Hy-Vee, Inc.
    • CPESN USA, LLC

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Kansas

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • The Kroger Co.
    • Good Neighbor Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation’s pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO), Elevate Provider
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • CPESN USA, LLC
    • GeriMed
    • Health Mart Pharmacies
    • Hy-Vee, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Kentucky

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walgreens
    • Good Neighbor Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation’s pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO), Elevate Provider
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Louisiana

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Maine

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Walgreens
    • Retail Business Services, LLC (including Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford Bros Co, Stop & Shop)

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Michigan

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • Meijer Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Minnesota

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Managed Health Care Associates
    • Hy-Vee, Inc.
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Mississippi

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • The Kroger Co.
    • Southeastern Grocers
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Missouri

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Health Mart Pharmacies
    • Hy-Vee, Inc.
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Montana

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • Topco Associates, LLC
    • Walgreens
    • Walmart, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Nebraska

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Good Neighbor Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation’s pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO), Elevate Provider
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • Hy-Vee, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Nevada

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Walgreens
    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)

    Suggested Further Reading

  • New Hampshire

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • New Jersey

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • New Mexico

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • Walgreens
    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)

    Suggested Further Reading

  • New York

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    Outside New York City

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Walgreens
    • Retail Business Services, LLC

    New York City

    • Walgreens
    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • Costco Wholesale Corp.

     

    Suggested Further Reading

  • North Carolina

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walgreens
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • North Dakota

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Managed Health Care Associates

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Ohio

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • The Kroger Co.
    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Walgreens
    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Meijer Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Oklahoma

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • CPESN USA, LLC
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Oregon

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • Costco Wholesale Corp.
    • Health Mart Pharmacies
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Pennsylvania

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    Outside Philadelphia

    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • Topco Associates, LLC
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Walmart, Inc.

    Philadelphia

    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • Topco Associates, LLC

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Rhode Island

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • South Carolina

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • South Dakota

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Hy-Vee, Inc.
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • GeriMed

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Tennessee

    Vaccine Information

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Texas

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • H-E-B, LP
    • Good Neighbor Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation’s pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO), Elevate Provider
    • Walmart, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Utah

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • The Kroger Co.
    • LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
    • Walgreens
    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Vermont

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walgreens
    • Walmart, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Virginia

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    • The Kroger Co.
    • Walgreens
    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Topco Associates, LLC
    • CPESN USA, LLC
    • Retail Business Services, LLC (including Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford Bros Co, Stop & Shop)

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Washington

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • Costco Wholesale Corp.
    • Health Mart Pharmacies
    • Rite Aid Corp.
    • The Kroger Co.
    • Walmart, Inc.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Washington, D.C.

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Albertsons Companies, Inc. (including Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaw’s, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
    • Retail Business Services, LLC

    Suggested Further Reading

  • West Virginia

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walgreens

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Wisconsin

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walgreens
    • The Kroger Co.

    Suggested Further Reading

  • Wyoming

    These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:

    • Walmart, Inc.
    • Walgreens
    • CPESN USA, LLC

    Suggested Further Reading

Public Health Resources

school cafeteria food shortages

CDC

CDC’s information on how schools can support COVID-19 vaccination.
Learn More
Nurse applies a bandage to a child's arm

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics website on COVID-19 vaccines for children and their vaccine campaign toolkit, which includes detail including sample social media posts.
Website Campaign Toolkit Updated immunization schedule
photo of two female food service workers in a cafeteria

Public Health Communications Collaborative

The Public Health Communications Collaborative material on vaccines for children.
Learn More

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Doctor gives covid injection to teen

Are Vaccines Safe?

Millions of people age 5 and above have safely received vaccines. Learn more about the rigorous testing vaccines undergo in order to be approved for use.
Learn More
teen girl shows bandage on arm after covid shot

How Effective Are the Vaccines?

Every day, as more vaccines are administered, there's mounting evidence that the vaccines protect people against COVID-19, including severe illness.
More at CDC.gov
teen boy outside school

How Do the Vaccines Work?

Learn how each vaccine works with your own immune system to protect you from contracting COVID-19.
More at CDC.gov
Nurse applies a bandage to a child's arm

Which Vaccine is Right for Me?

Learn more about the main COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S.
Overview of available vaccines
A mom puts a mask on her son

What to Know Before You Go

Getting ready for the big day? Find out what to expect, what to bring, and more.
More at CDC.gov
woman collaborating online

Join the Community of Educators Navigating COVID-19 Together

Join our Facebook group to connect with NEA members in your states and locals to seek and share important information about how COVID-19 is affecting your communities and what’s being done to support your students and one another.
Find resources and support
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