CVS and Walgreens to Offer Third Vaccine to Immunocompromised People

Walgreens and CVS will offer a third COVID-19 vaccine to immunocompromised people after emergency clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In a press release from Walgreens, the pharmacy said same-day appointments are available without an appointment and patients will need to bring their vaccination cards and certify their eligibility.

CVS will also administer a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Patients can book an appointment online or drop by.

Approval of a third vaccine only affects those who have received both Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series.

The third vaccine is still free under the Emergency Use Clearance from the FDA.

The FDA announced approval of a third injection last week for people with weakened immune systems in the United States.

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The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention also submitted their recommendation for a third injection last week.

Here are a few things to know when it comes to a third vaccine:

WHO QUALIFIES?

About 7 million US adults are classified as immunosuppressed, but the FDA has singled out transplant recipients and others with similar levels of immunosuppression. The FDA did not specify exactly who falls into these other categories, but in new guidelines for physicians released on Friday, the CDC listed several categories of people who may be eligible, including people with advanced or advanced HIV infections. untreated and those with cancer who are receiving certain chemotherapy drugs.

IS IT A BOOSTER?

Not really, because boosters are for people whose immunity wanes over time and those high-risk groups haven’t received enough protection to begin with. They will now be eligible for a third dose at least 28 days after their second injection – making a third dose part of their original prescription. It’s similar to how France has handled vaccinations for the immunocompromised since April.

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AND THE BOOSTS FOR ALL OTHERS?

US health authorities insist that the time has not yet come for booster doses for the general population.

“We think sooner or later you’ll need a reminder for the durability of protection” – but not yet, Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, told reporters.

The CDC is closely monitoring hospitalization and death rates related to COVID-19, as well as long-term studies on how often vaccinated health workers experience breakthrough infections, especially with the contagious delta variant. This evidence will guide any decision.

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The Associated Press’s Department of Health and Science receives support from the Department of Science Education at Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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