CVS, Walgreens Ready To Administer Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

NEW YORK — National pharmacy chains have plans to administer the updates COVID-19 vaccine recently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.

CVS Health said its pharmacies and retail medical clinics were to begin receiving the new vaccine Wednesday and will continue to receive inventory on a rolling basis throughout the week.

All CVS Pharmacy locations are expected to have the vaccination in stock by early next week, the company said.

Walgreens said on its website that people will be able to schedule appointments immediately, with available appointments starting nationwide Monday. Earlier appointments may be added on a rolling basis as stores receive vaccines this week.

Rite Aid told Reuters that appointments would be live Friday.

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The rollout of the vaccines comes after an advisory panel at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Tuesday to approve the new vaccine for anyone 6 months and older.

The CDC said vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. It also reduces a person’s chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.

According to CDC data, as of Sept. 2, there have been more than 6.3 million hospitalizations and 1.1 million deaths from COVID-19-related illnesses in the United States.

The CDC said anyone who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months can get an updated COVID-19 for protection this fall and winter.

CVS said appointments for people age 5 and above can be made at CVS.com and via the CVS Pharmacy app, and walk-ins will be accepted as individual locations receive the vaccine.

Digital scheduling through the CVS website and app allows up to four appointments to be scheduled at one time. That enables families, caregivers and other groups to get vaccinated together.

Appointments at Walgreens can be scheduled by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or by using the Walgreens app. People can also call 1-800-WALGREENS. Additional appointments will be added daily as inventory arrives at stores.