Walgreen's, CVS scheduling appointments for new COVID-19 vaccinations

Two of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains have announced when they’ll be scheduling appointments for the new vaccines targeting newer coronavirus variants.

Following Tuesday’s CDC approval, CVS Health says the updated COVID-19 vaccines will now be available at locations nationwide. This includes the more than 350 CVS locations across Ohio.

 Appointments for patients five and up are available at CVS.com and the CVS Pharmacy app. Group appointments are also available, making it more convenient for parents and caregivers to protect the entire family in one visit.

Walgreens announced that eligible individuals are able to schedule appointments immediately, with available appointments starting nationwide on Monday, September 18. Earlier appointments may be added on a rolling basis as Walgreens stores receive vaccines this week.

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

The new mRNA vaccines are formulated to target variants and to provide better protection against the serious consequences of COVID-19, according to the FDA.

 To avoid a feared “tripledemic” – of flu, COVID-19, and RSV – public health officials urge Americans to stay updated on seasonal immunizations and consider multiple vaccinations in one visit.?

?The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are available.

?Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, according to the CDC.

Vaccination also reduces the chances of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.?

If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, the CDC recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself this fall and winter.? 

? The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.?

The CDC says last season, those who received a 2022-2023 COVID-19 vaccine saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who did not receive a 2022-2023 vaccine.?

Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.

People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state, local, tribal, or territorial health department; and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program.

Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.