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 our students.
Why are we encouraging parents to vaccinate their children? It’s simple:
- It's safe and effective. The three 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.
- 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 will be able get their first COVID dose at the same time as their other back-to-school vaccinations.
In short, getting all kids vaccinated is the best way to ensure that schools are able to open safely—and stay open!
Latest Resources
The White House
The White House Operational Strategy for vaccination of children 5 to 11 years old.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
A vaccination toolkit for school communities from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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.
Public Health Communications Collaborative
The Public Health Communications Collaborative material on vaccines for children.
National Association of School Nurses and Association of Immunization Managers
Documents from the National Association of School Nurses and Association of Immunization Managers that provide information on effective school-located vaccination clinics and insights from school nurses and others on school-located vaccination clinics.
How do I get a vaccine?
Educators and school personnel in K-12 schools now have priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine in all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia through the federal retail pharmacy program. Find COVID-19 vaccines near you ›
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Alabama
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walmart, Inc.
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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Alaska
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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Arkansas
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walmart, Inc.
- CPESN USA, LLC
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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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
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Connecticut
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
- Walgreens
Suggested Further Reading
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Delaware
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walgreens
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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Georgia
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walmart, Inc.
- The Kroger Co.
- Walgreens
Suggested Further Reading
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Hawaii
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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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
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Indiana
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walmart, Inc.
- The Kroger Co.
- Meijer Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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Iowa
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Hy-Vee, Inc.
- CPESN USA, LLC
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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
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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
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Louisiana
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walmart, Inc.
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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Massachusetts
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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New Hampshire
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walgreens
Suggested Further Reading
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New Jersey
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
- Rite Aid Corp.
- Walgreens
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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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
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North Carolina
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walgreens
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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North Dakota
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Managed Health Care Associates
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Rhode Island
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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South Carolina
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
- Walgreens
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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Tennessee
Vaccine Information
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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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
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Vermont
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walgreens
- Walmart, Inc.
Suggested Further Reading
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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
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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
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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
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West Virginia
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walgreens
Suggested Further Reading
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Wisconsin
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walgreens
- The Kroger Co.
Suggested Further Reading
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Wyoming
These pharmacies are participating in the the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program:
- Walmart, Inc.
- Walgreens
- CPESN USA, LLC
Suggested Further Reading
Vaccine Resources
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.
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.
How Do the Vaccines Work?
Learn how each vaccine works with your own immune system to protect you from contracting COVID-19.
Which Vaccine is Right for Me?
Learn more about the three main COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S.
What to Know Before You Go
Getting ready for the big day? Find out what to expect, what to bring, and more.
Other Recommended Vaccines
Your COVID inoculation appointment can be a great time to catch up on other recommended vaccinations!
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.
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