You’re driving down Route 35, maybe you just finished a workout or you’re heading home from the Matawan train station, and you realize you forgot that one prescription or, more likely, a gallon of milk and some over-the-counter allergy meds. For most people living in the Monmouth County area, the CVS Aberdeen New Jersey locations are basically landmarks. They aren't just stores; they’re the places where you scramble to find a last-minute birthday card or wait for a flu shot while browsing the seasonal aisle for discounted Halloween candy.
Aberdeen is a funny place geographically because it wraps around Matawan like a horseshoe. This means when you're looking for a "CVS in Aberdeen," you might actually be looking for the one on the border of Cliffwood, or you might be thinking of the one closer to the Strathmore neighborhood. People get them confused all the time.
It's just how it is.
The Main Spot: CVS Aberdeen New Jersey on Route 35
The most frequented location is officially listed at 1147 State Route 35, Aberdeen, NJ 07735. This is the one right in the heart of the retail corridor. If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic near the intersection of Route 35 and Cliffwood Avenue, you’ve stared at this storefront.
Honestly, the parking lot can be a bit of a nightmare during the 5:00 PM rush. You’ve got people coming in from the Keyport side and others trying to turn left across traffic, which is always a gamble in New Jersey.
Inside, it’s a standard 24-hour operation—usually. One thing to keep in mind is that "24 hours" often applies to the front of the store, but the pharmacy has its own set of rules. Don't be the person who shows up at 3:00 AM expecting to pick up an antibiotic only to find the pharmacy gate locked tight. Most local CVS pharmacies in this neck of the woods close their windows at 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM on weekdays and even earlier on weekends.
The Pharmacy Experience at 1147 Route 35
Let's talk about the pharmacy. It's busy. Like, really busy. Because it sits on a major artery, the pharmacists here handle a massive volume of scripts from local doctors in Holmdel, Old Bridge, and Matawan.
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- Wait Times: Expect a bit of a wait if you’re a walk-in.
- The App: If you haven't downloaded the CVS app, you're making your life harder than it needs to be. It’s the only way to skip the phone tree.
- Drive-Thru: There is one. It’s convenient, but the line can wrap around the building on Saturday mornings when everyone is picking up their weekly maintenance meds.
The "Other" CVS Near Aberdeen
Because the borders are so tight, many residents actually use the CVS at 339 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747. While it technically has a Matawan address, it serves a huge chunk of the Aberdeen population, especially those living in the Strathmore section.
This location feels a bit more "neighborhood-y." It’s smaller. The aisles are a little tighter. But for some reason, the staff here often stays for years, so they actually recognize you. It’s a different vibe than the high-traffic Route 35 spot. If you’re looking for a specific cosmetic brand or a niche health product, you might have better luck at the larger Route 35 store, but for a quick prescription drop-off, Main Street is often the smarter play.
Health Services and the MinuteClinic
One of the biggest reasons people search for CVS Aberdeen New Jersey isn't actually for the snacks or the photos; it's for the MinuteClinic. Now, not every CVS has one.
The Route 35 location is the primary hub for basic medical care when you can't get into your primary doctor. We’re talking about things like:
- Strep throat tests.
- Ear infections.
- Sports physicals for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional school district kids.
- Vaccinations (Flu, COVID-19, Shingles).
It’s basically a bridge between a doctor’s office and an ER. The wait times are posted online, which is a lifesaver. Seriously, check the website before you leave your house. If it says a two-hour wait, stay on your couch for an hour and forty-five minutes.
Grocery and Convenience: More Than Just Pills
In Jersey, we have Wawa and QuickChek for quick bites, but CVS holds its own for the "I need five things and don't want to go to ShopRite" runs. The Aberdeen locations have expanded their refrigerated sections significantly over the last few years.
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You can find eggs, milk, frozen pizzas, and a surprising amount of "healthy" snacks. Is it more expensive than the grocery store? Yeah, probably by a buck or two. But the convenience of being able to park (relatively) close to the door and get out in five minutes is worth the "convenience tax" for most of us.
Also, the seasonal section at the Route 35 Aberdeen store is surprisingly robust. If you need a folding chair for a beach day at Cliffwood Beach or a cheap cooler, they usually have them stocked right by the entrance.
Navigating the ExtraCare System
If you’re shopping at CVS and you aren’t using an ExtraCare card, you’re basically donating money to the corporation. Those long receipts are a meme for a reason, but the coupons are actually legit.
In the Aberdeen stores, you’ll see the "Red Box" kiosks. Scan your card or enter your phone number. It’ll spit out a bunch of paper coupons. Kinda annoying, but if you’re buying laundry detergent or expensive skincare, those $3 or $5 "ExtraBucks" add up fast. Most local regulars just link their phone number to the app so they don't have to carry the physical card or deal with the paper trail.
Real Talk: The Challenges of the Aberdeen Locations
It's not all sunshine and easy refills. Like any high-volume retail spot in a densely populated part of New Jersey, there are hurdles.
Staffing shortages have hit retail pharmacies hard nationwide, and the Aberdeen locations aren't immune. Sometimes you’ll see a sign saying the pharmacy is closed for a lunch break from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. This is a company-wide policy to ensure pharmacists actually get to eat, but it can be frustrating if you’re on your own lunch break trying to get in and out. Plan accordingly.
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Inventory issues also pop up. With the supply chain being what it is, sometimes the specific brand of distilled water or a certain cough syrup might be out of stock. If you’re looking for something specific, call ahead—though getting someone to answer the phone in the front of the store can be a coin toss.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Aberdeen CVS
People often think that because there are two locations so close together, their prescriptions will be available at both. That is not how it works.
If your doctor sent your script to the Route 35 Aberdeen location, the Main Street Matawan location can't see it in the "active" queue the same way. They have to "transfer" it, which can take time and phone calls between pharmacists. Always double-check which location you selected in your patient portal.
Also, the Aberdeen CVS on Route 35 is a popular spot for DoorDash and UberEats drivers. If the store looks crowded but the parking lot is half-empty, it’s probably because there are five delivery drivers inside waiting for orders.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you want to make your trip to the CVS Aberdeen New Jersey as painless as possible, follow these steps.
- Avoid the 8:00 AM rush: This is when everyone tries to drop off scripts on their way to work.
- Use the App for Photos: Don’t stand at the kiosk in the store trying to upload 50 photos from your phone. Do it at home, and just walk in when you get the text that they’re ready.
- Check the Pharmacy Hours Specifically: Again, do not assume the pharmacy is open just because the store lights are on.
- Park Away from the Door: At the Route 35 location, the spots right in front are a magnet for fender benders. Park a few rows back near the edge of the lot. It’s easier to pull out.
Actionable Steps for Aberdeen Residents
- Sync your prescriptions: Ask the pharmacist at the Route 35 store about "ScriptSync." It aligns all your refills to the same day of the month so you only have to make one trip.
- Verify your insurance: If you’ve recently changed jobs or your provider has updated their formulary, call the pharmacy before you arrive. This prevents the "it's going to be $200" surprise at the register.
- Join the CarePass: If you get prescriptions delivered, the $5 a month for CarePass usually pays for itself because you get free shipping and a $10 promotional credit every month. It’s a no-brainer if you’re a regular.
- Check for MinuteClinic appointments: If you’re feeling under the weather, go to the CVS website at 8:00 AM to snag one of the early appointments. They fill up fast, especially during flu season.
The CVS in Aberdeen serves as a vital community hub for the Bayshore area. Whether you're a lifelong local or just moving into one of the new apartment complexes nearby, knowing the quirks of these locations makes a big difference. It's about more than just a store; it's about navigating the logistics of life in Monmouth County.
Keep your app updated, watch the traffic on 35, and always check those pharmacy hours before you drive over. You'll save yourself a lot of headache.