CVS Pharmacy

As residents of New York, especially in the vibrant community of Saratoga Springs, we know the importance of having reliable and accessible healthcare resources. Among these, a dependable local pharmacy is truly indispensable, serving as a critical point of contact for everything from routine prescription refills to urgent medication needs and general health and wellness products. In the heart of Saratoga Springs, the **CVS Pharmacy** on Congress Street stands as a central pillar, aiming to provide these vital services to our community.

This article will offer a comprehensive look at the CVS Pharmacy located at **34 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs, NY**. We'll explore its convenient location, the extensive range of services it provides, and some of the key features that define the customer experience. While like any busy service, it may have moments of challenge, its fundamental role in supporting the health needs of Saratoga County residents is undeniable. We aim to provide a factual and engaging overview to help you, as a local user, better understand and utilize this essential neighborhood pharmacy.

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The CVS Pharmacy at 34 Congress Street in Saratoga Springs is a branch of one of the largest and most recognizable pharmacy chains in the United States. This location operates as a dual-purpose facility, encompassing both a full-service pharmacy and a retail store. The core mission of this CVS, like others in the chain, is to provide accessible healthcare solutions, including prescription fulfillment, over-the-counter medications, and a wide array of health and beauty products, as well as general convenience items.

For the Saratoga Springs community, this CVS aims to be a dependable resource, often highlighted for its ability to handle urgent needs. As one customer review vividly illustrates, the pharmacy was "very helpful in filling an urgent prescription for low dose Paxlovid" when other local options couldn't. This showcases their capacity to provide crucial support during stressful times. While it’s important to note all feedback, positive experiences often emphasize the store's dedication to assisting customers with their health and wellness needs efficiently and effectively, driven by a commitment to customer care.

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The CVS Pharmacy is strategically located at **34 Congress St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA**. Congress Street is a central and well-known thoroughfare in Saratoga Springs, making this pharmacy highly accessible to residents and visitors alike. Its position in the heart of the city ensures it is convenient for those living or working downtown, as well as individuals coming from surrounding neighborhoods.

For those driving, the location within a commercial area typically offers adequate parking, though specific parking configurations can vary. The store is situated on a major road, providing clear visibility and easy ingress/egress. For individuals relying on public transportation or walking, its central location also contributes to its accessibility. Its prominence makes it a "preferred choice for residents and visitors alike," ensuring that whether you're approaching from the north via I-87 S and NY-50 S, or from other directions, reaching this essential pharmacy is a straightforward process.

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The CVS Pharmacy on Congress Street provides a comprehensive suite of services, going beyond just filling prescriptions to cater to diverse health and convenience needs:

• **Prescription Fulfillment:** This is the primary service, including new prescriptions, refills, and medication transfers. Pharmacists are available for counseling and to address any questions or concerns about your medications.
• **Urgent Prescription Services:** As highlighted by a customer, the pharmacy has demonstrated capability in filling urgent prescriptions quickly, even critical medications like Paxlovid.
• **Immunizations:** The pharmacy offers a variety of vaccinations, including flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other routine immunizations, often without an appointment, providing a convenient option for preventive care.
• **Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:** A wide selection of non-prescription drugs, including pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy medications, and digestive aids, is readily available.
• **Health and Wellness Products:** The store stocks a broad range of vitamins, supplements, first-aid supplies, personal care items, and hygiene essentials.
• **Beauty and Cosmetics:** A dedicated section features various beauty products, skincare items, and cosmetics.
• **Photo Services:** This location offers comprehensive photo services, including printing digital photos, developing various types of film (35mm, black & white, APS, 110), and creating personalized photo gifts.
• **General Convenience Items:** For everyday needs, the store includes a selection of groceries, snacks, beverages, and household provisions, making it a convenient stop for quick errands.
• **Medication Counseling and Management:** Pharmacists are trained to provide counseling, and the pharmacy supports programs like medication synchronization for those with multiple prescriptions, and mobile prescription management via the CVS app.
• **Medication Disposal Services:** Promoting eco-friendly practices, this location may offer services for safe disposal of unused or expired medications.
• **Accepts SNAP/EBT:** The Congress Street CVS Pharmacy accepts EBT cards for eligible food purchases.
• **In-store Pickup & Delivery:** Customers can buy online for in-store pickup or utilize prescription delivery services. Same-day delivery may be available for eligible prescriptions and other products through services like Uber Eats or Shipt.

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This CVS Pharmacy location offers several key features and highlights, contributing to its role as an essential local resource:

• **24-Hour Store Operation:** A significant highlight is that the retail store section of this CVS is **open 24 hours**, providing unparalleled convenience for late-night or early-morning needs. While the pharmacy typically has set hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturdays, and closed Sundays for the pharmacy counter, with a lunch break from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM), the ability to access the front of the store around the clock is a major benefit.
• **Responsive and Caring Staff (Pharmacy):** As demonstrated by the customer's experience with Nicole, staff members in the pharmacy are noted for being "wonderful at checkout" and providing helpful guidance, making customers feel "heard and cared for" during stressful situations. This personal touch significantly elevates the service.
• **Ability to Handle Urgent Needs:** The pharmacy's capacity to quickly fill critical and urgent prescriptions, even when other pharmacies face delays, is a crucial highlight for the community's health and well-being.
• **Comprehensive Photo Center:** The availability of various photo services, including film development and custom prints, adds to the store's versatility beyond standard pharmacy offerings.
• **Broad Range of Products:** From "vitamins, groceries, first aid supplies, and cosmetics," the store's extensive inventory makes it a convenient "one-stop destination for all your health and wellness needs" and daily necessities.
• **Handicapped Accessible:** The facility is designed to be accessible, ensuring that all members of the community can comfortably navigate the store.

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CVS Pharmacy is well-known for its extensive range of promotions and savings programs, making it a budget-friendly option for many New Yorkers. As a local customer, you can typically benefit from:

• **ExtraCare® Rewards Program:** Signing up for the free ExtraCare® membership allows you to earn ExtraBucks® Rewards on qualifying purchases (typically 2% back), receive personalized coupons, sales notifications, and special offers via email and the CVS app.
• **Weekly Ad Deals:** CVS regularly publishes a weekly ad circular featuring discounts and "buy one, get one" (BOGO) deals on a wide variety of products across health, beauty, and household categories.
• **Digital Coupons:** The CVS app provides access to exclusive digital coupons that can be clipped and applied directly to your purchases, offering convenient savings.
• **ExtraCare+™ Membership:** For a monthly fee, this tier offers additional benefits such as free same-day delivery on most orders and a monthly bonus reward.
• **Prescription Savings Programs:** CVS works with various discount cards like RxSpark and WellRx, which can offer significant savings on prescription costs, sometimes even lower than insurance co-pays. They also provide free prescription discounts and offer medication synchronization to help manage costs.
• **Seasonal and Themed Promotions:** Look out for special promotions around holidays, or deals on specific categories like "summer essentials," "suncare," or "hydration" products.
• **Veterans' Discounts:** CVS honors veterans with a VetRewards Card, offering 20% off and free shipping on certain orders.

Checking the CVS website, app, or weekly circular is always recommended to stay updated on the latest deals.

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For inquiries, pharmacy services, or to verify store hours, here is the direct contact information for this CVS Pharmacy location:

• **Address:** 34 Congress St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
• **Phone:** (518) 587-3098

It's always advisable to call ahead for specific pharmacy hours or to confirm product availability, especially given the noted customer feedback regarding closing times for the pharmacy counter.

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For New Yorkers in Saratoga Springs, the CVS Pharmacy at 34 Congress Street stands as a uniquely suitable and essential local resource. Its prime, central location makes it highly accessible for residents, whether on foot, by public transport, or by car. The most significant highlight, the 24-hour retail store, offers unparalleled convenience for unexpected needs at any time of day or night.

While some customers have experienced frustrations regarding pharmacy closing times or perceived staff attitudes near closing, the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding urgent prescription fulfillment and the caring assistance from staff members like Nicole underscores the pharmacy's vital role in supporting critical health needs within the community. Its comprehensive range of services, from essential medications and immunizations to a wide array of health, beauty, and convenience items, combined with robust savings programs like ExtraCare, makes it a multifaceted and valuable destination. For Saratoga Springs locals seeking a highly accessible, broadly stocked, and often exceptionally responsive pharmacy for their diverse health and wellness requirements, this CVS on Congress Street remains a foundational part of the neighborhood.