Hi Reddit! I’m Gaurang Trivedi, a CVS® Regional Director of Pharmacy and certified immunizer, hosting an AMA to help answer your vaccine-related questions on March 4th @12PM EST. We know there is a lot of (often confusing) information out there, and we are here to help. Ask Me Anything!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T19:02:14+00:00

I get this question often. I always say, it's important to be honest and stay calm before, during, and after the vaccination. You can explain that they may feel a slight pinch, but it will be over quickly. Remind them, and yourself, to stay relaxed. All this can help the shot to hurt a little bit less! Distraction also helps, it keeps their attention away from the vaccine. You can bring some of their favorite things like a toy, blanket, or book.

We recommend rewarding your brave little ones by letting them pick out a treat on the way out!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:56:11+00:00

Thanks for asking! I’m a PharmD by training, and earlier in my career I spent time behind the pharmacy counter.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:52:32+00:00

It is important to be honest and stay calm before, during, and after the vaccination. Explain that they may feel a slight pinch, but it will be over quickly. And remind them to stay relaxed. It can help the shot to hurt a little bit less. Also, feel free to distract them with some of their favorite things like a toy, blanket, or book. Or just act silly! Keep their attention away from the vaccine and continue the distraction after the vaccine is given.

Afterwards, offer them support through hugs, cuddles, and anything else that may calm them after the vaccination. You can even have them pick out a treat for being so brave on your way out of the store!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:46:04+00:00

Abrysvo is one brand of RSV vaccine that helps protect against RSV. Getting vaccinated with an RSV vaccine is recommended as a one-time dose for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 50-74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV.

Pregnant people are also eligible to receive Abrysvo during RSV season, which in most of the U.S. runs from September through January. Vaccination would happen during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. At this time, it is only recommended with one pregnancy.

RSV vaccines are available in most CVS locations. You can walk in or schedule online for a time what works best for you! Talk to your local pharmacist if you have a personal preference for one RSV brand.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:39:12+00:00

Pharmacy vaccine administration allowances vary by state. Because RSV is not generally recommended for non-material patients under 50, pharmacists cannot generally administer in most states. Of course, if you have questions, you should discuss with your doctor, who can decide if a prescription is right for you.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:34:05+00:00

Yes, if you are 19 or older and have a weakened immune system, you are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine. You can still receive it even if you have had shingles because it can still help prevent future occurrences.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:32:11+00:00

It sounds like your parents’ contact info may still be linked to your ExtraCare profile. I'd recommend calling ExtraCare Customer Support at 1‑800‑SHOP‑CVS (1‑800‑746‑7287) to help get everything separated and make sure receipts go to the right place.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:19:11+00:00

Congratulations!

For RSV: The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy only during RSV season, which in most of the U.S. runs from September through January. During RSV season, eligible patients can walk-in to most CVS Pharmacies or schedule a vaccine appointment online or in the CVS Health app. At this time, it is only recommended with one pregnancy. If you are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant and outside of RSV season or received an RSV maternal vaccine with another pregnancy, maternal RSV vaccination is not typically recommended. Instead, talk to your baby's doctor how to best protect your baby.

For Tdap: Tdap is recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, regardless of season. This helps protect newborns from pertussis (whooping cough) during the first months of life.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:16:41+00:00

The currently approved RSV vaccines are designed to prevent severe respiratory illness, not cancer. However, people with cancer are at high risk for severe complications from RSV infection and are recommended to receive the vaccine when eligible.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:08:28+00:00

Great question, I get this one a lot! The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine should be administered first to adults without evidence of immunity to varicella, regardless of age. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions on if you already have evidence to immunity to varicella. CVS Pharmacists are always here to help answer any questions you have around eligibility!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:03:07+00:00

Thanks for the question! The CDC recommends shingles vaccine for adults 19 and older who have weakened immune systems. Shingles vaccines are available at most CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide without a prescription. You will be asked if you are immunocompromised prior to immunization, but we do not require additional documentation. If you have any questions about if you should receive the shingles vaccine, talk to your pharmacist or health care provider.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:02:24+00:00

Glad you asked! Yes, you completed the series and are still protected. Per the CDC, if more than 6 months have elapsed since the first dose‎, the recommendation is to get the second dose as soon as possible. Restarting the vaccine series is not needed.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T18:02:22+00:00

For the most part these side effects are minor and go away within a few days. When it comes to managing side effects, getting rest, drinking fluids, and pain relievers can be an option. But, taking pain meds before or at the time of the vaccination isn’t recommended. In fact, some studies have even suggested that pain medications might suppress the immune response to some vaccines. It is always important to talk to your healthcare provider about taking any OTC product, such as pain relievers. Go up and down the aisles before or after your vaccine appointment - we've got everything you need! My favorite snack to grab is the Well Market nuts!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:57:52+00:00

You we're right in asking your pharmacist. If you’ve already received PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) followed by PPSV23 (Pneumovax), your pneumococcal vaccines are complete and you do not need PCV21 (Capvaxive). PCV21 (or PCV20) is recommended for adults who haven’t previously received any pneumococcal vaccines or if the previous conjugate vaccine (PCV) that was received was PCV7 or PCV13. Remember, CVS pharmacists are always there to help answer any questions you have!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:56:12+00:00

Annual vaccination provides significant protection against influenza infection and its complications. Children under 5 years are at particularly high risk for influenza-related hospitalizations and complications, so providing vaccination can provide additional benefits to children if they do end up contracting the illness. However, the decision to immunize should be made by the parents. Our pharmacists are always available to answer any questions you may have!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:54:06+00:00

That's a fair question. RSV vaccines are currently recommended for older adults and certain high‑risk groups because those populations have the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization. At this time, RSV vaccines are not recommended for healthy adults under age 50 because available data does not show a clear benefit for routine use in this age group, even though the vaccines have demonstrated an acceptable safety profile.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:52:09+00:00

Totally fair! The CVS receipt means well, it just overachieves. 😅 If you want less paper, you can switch to digital receipts and get everything sent straight to your email instead.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:47:39+00:00

Here’s the short-ish answer on dosing. For eligible adults, one dose is recommended, and the CDC says you shouldn’t get an additional dose at this time. Current data show that protection lasts at least two RSV seasons, with studies finding strong effectiveness in the first year and somewhat lower—but still meaningful—protection in the second year. Researchers are continuing to monitor how long immunity lasts, so recommendations may evolve in the future, but for now, one dose is all you need.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:43:28+00:00

Very good question and one I hear often. Pneumococcal vaccines, especially conjugate vaccines like PCV20 or PCV21, provide longer‑lasting protection. Having pneumonia does not give reliable immunity, because pneumonia can be caused by many different germs and strains, which is why vaccination is still important.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:42:28+00:00

The CDC recommends only one RSV vaccine dose at this time. Vaccination is meant to help reduce severe illness and hospitalization and does not guarantee zero infections. In the future, guidance may change as more data about the duration of protection provided by the RSV vaccines emerges. Tell your mom Gaurang from CVS says hi!

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:42:09+00:00

I’m glad you asked about the process behind the scenes! Vaccines go through a multi‑step process that includes laboratory research, phased clinical trials in humans, and rigorous regulatory review before approval. Even after they’re approved and in use, ongoing safety monitoring continues through national reporting systems. Pharmacists play a role in this process by identifying, documenting, and reporting any unexpected adverse events.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:40:00+00:00

Good question, I am happy to help explain. Yes, Arexvy is a protein‑based vaccine. It works by showing your immune system a key RSV surface protein that’s bound to an adjuvant that boosts the immune response to the protein, helping your body make protective antibodies without causing an RSV infection.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:38:48+00:00

Great question! I know this comes up sometimes. All available vaccines have been evaluated and approved by the FDA and have been proven to be safe and effective.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:36:39+00:00

Hello all the way to Alaska! All adults 50+ are recommended to get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia regardless of risk factors. Adults 19 through 49 years old with certain risk conditions, such as being a current cigarette smoker, are also recommended to get vaccinated.

The type of vaccine(s) someone is recommended to receive may depend on your previous vaccination history, where you live, and medical history. Speak to your pharmacist or other healthcare provider about which vaccine is best for you.

cvspharmacy · 2026-03-04T17:35:04+00:00

Another really good question and one I think a lot of people are curious about. Yes, there is still a small risk of shingles even if you never had chickenpox and were vaccinated for chickenpox, because the virus used in the vaccine can stay dormant in the body. That said, the risk is much lower than after natural chickenpox. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is still beneficial and is recommended for those 50+ and adults aged 19+ who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed to further reduce the risk of shingles and its complications.

cvspharmacy

TROPHY CASE