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WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health announced that the updated COVID-19 vaccine recently authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC is now available at its CVS Pharmacy locations. Pharmacies will begin receiving the new vaccine today 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.
Appointments for individuals aged five and above are made available at CVS.com and via the CVS Pharmacy app, and walk-ins will be accepted as individual locations receive the vaccines. MinuteClinic locations will also begin offering the new COVID-19 vaccine for patients aged 18 months and above in the coming weeks, with appointments available at MinuteClinic.com.
“COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the country, so it’s important that we use the tools we have to stay healthy,” said Sree Chaguturu, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. “Vaccination is the most effective way to do this. It’s vital that we keep up with vaccines to help control the continued spread of COVID-19. Through a simple vaccination, we can all help protect ourselves, our families and our communities.”
The new mRNA vaccines are formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, according to the FDA. The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for individuals 12 years of age and older and are authorized under emergency use for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age. For individuals aged five and above the new vaccines are authorized regardless of previous vaccinations but must be administered two months following the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Digital scheduling through CVS.com and the CVS Pharmacy app allows patients to schedule multiple appointments at once, enabling families, caregivers, and other groups to get vaccinated together. In addition, multiple vaccinations can be scheduled in one appointment, such as COVID-19 and flu, as recommended by the CDC. The vaccine is available at no-cost through most insurance plans. In addition, CVS Pharmacy will be participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program.
CVS Pharmacy also accepts walk-ins, seven days a week, including during evening and weekend hours. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS Pharmacy will also receive a $5 off $20 to use on in-store purchases.* MinuteClinic sick symptom visits (during which patients can get tested for COVID-19, flu, strep throat, etc.) are available by appointment at MinuteClinic.com.
