Free medications

Publix announced in August 2007, that it would offer several types of antibiotics free to its customers. Customers must have a prescription; they are given a maximum of a two-week supply.^[54] Several medical professionals expressed concerns that this could contribute to an overuse of antibiotics which leads to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health concern.^[55] These medications include:

• Amoxicillin (excluding Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid)
• Ampicillin
• Ciprofloxacin (excluding Ciprofloxacin XR)
• Penicillin VK and
• Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP)

These antibiotics are being offered to customers regardless of their prescription insurance provider.^[54] Doxycycline Hyclate was removed from the list because of cost increases.^[56] In May 2014, Cephalexin was removed from the list due to cost increases.^[57]
In March 2010, Publix announced the launch of another free prescription, Metformin for Type II Diabetes, the generic of Glucophage. Publix provides the medication in 500 mg, 850 mg and 1,000 mg strengths. The only restriction is a 90-day supply or up to 360 500-mg, 270 850-mg or 225 1000-mg tablets, but refills are not limited.^[58][59]
In August 2011, Publix began offering Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor that is used to prevent, treat, or improve symptoms of high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, diabetes, and certain chronic kidney conditions, as another free prescription. Customers can get a 90-day supply of this prescription for free at any Publix Pharmacy, up to a maximum of 180 tablets. Lisinopril-HCTZ combination products are excluded.^[57][59]
In May 2014, Publix began offering Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) as a free medication. Customers can get a 90-day supply of this medication (up to 180 2.5-mg or 5-mg tablets, or 90 10-mg tablets) free of charge.^[57][59]
Montelukast, a medicine used for the treatment of allergies and asthma, was added to the free medication program in February 2017. 90-day supplies of 4- or 5-mg chewable tablets for children, or 10-mg oral tablets for adults, are available with a doctor's prescription.^[60]
Publix also offers a wide variety of vaccinations, including free flu shots for "associates" (employees) and discounted flu shots for their immediate family members.^[61]