Across the country, many pharmacies provide immunizations to customers, and Vashon Pharmacy has recently joined their ranks.

Pharmacist Tyler Young has been tasked with developing the program, which offers a variety of vaccines, including immunizations for the flu, pneumonia, shingles, and tetanus, diptheria and pertussis (Tdap). It can also order vaccines it does not routinely have in stock.

In an interview last week, Young noted that Vashon has a lower immunization rate than other communities throughout the state. While there are many reasons for that, he said, the pharmacy wants to be helpful to those who want vaccines but might have difficulty obtaining them.

“We want to be another resource for information and access,” he said. “A lot of folks do not go to the doctor but do come in here.”

The program is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he said, and is overseen by Dr. Jeffrey HansPetersen, who works at the Franciscan Medical Clinic on the island.

Young said many patients’ vaccines will be covered through their pharmacy insurance benefits. Some insurance plans do not offer that type of coverage, however, and those affected may be able to have vaccines at a clinic or could pay cash at the pharmacy.

Customers can request o shot on a walk-in basis, though Young recommends calling first to ensure that either he or Steve Bird, the other pharmacist able to give the shots, is working.

Additionally, the pharmacy will offer special days for vaccines, including Oct. 9, 15 and 22. On those days, Young said, wait times will be shorter.

Pharmacy co-owner Dave Willingham said island clinics have welcomed this change and have been sending patients.

He noted the pharmacy launched a website last week and that Young had spearheaded that effort as well.

“It’s like we are coming into the 21st century, and Tyler is getting us there, he said.