CVS, Walgreens Administering COVID-19 Booster Injections: What You Need To Know

CVS and Walgreens pharmacies across the country are giving boosters of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to millions of eligible Americans who are most at risk for the virus.

Nearly 6,000 CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic branches nationwide began giving booster shots on Friday to the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and those most “at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 “.

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“We have the experience and the infrastructure to play a leading role in administering recalls to eligible populations,” said Troyen Brennan, Chief Medical Officer of CVS.

Likewise, Walgreen pharmacies across the country are also equipped with Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster vaccines and allow customers to book their flu shots and reminders during the same appointment.

“Walgreens has played a critical role in the response to COVID-19 as millions of people have turned to us as a convenient vaccination destination and critical community care point,” said Walgreens President John Standley, noting that “The company’s pharmaceutical teams remain readily available to advise. patients, answer questions and co-administer primary influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. ”

So far, booster shots have only been available to Americans aged 65 and over as well as others vulnerable due to underlying health issues or where they work and live. Booster shots can be given after the person has received their last six-month dose.

Walgreens clarified that it offers a reminder to anyone 65 and over, residents of long-term care facilities who are at least 18 years old, and anyone 18 and over with under-health conditions. underlying.

CVS said it is also offering reminders to people aged 18 to 49 who are “at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions” as well as to people aged 50 to 64. who have underlying medical conditions.

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Meanwhile, people aged 18 to 64 who are at “increased risk of exposure and transmission to COVID-19 due to the work or institutional setting”, may also receive a recall, according to the two pharmacy chains. This includes health care and essential workers.

CVS “strongly” encourages patients who wish to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster or who wish to complete their initial vaccination series to make an appointment online at CVS.com or MinuteClinic.com.

Walgreens is also asking customers to schedule a COVID-19 booster injection online or over the phone.

Any new Walgreens patient who wants a booster injection will be asked to verify their eligibility when the appointment is scheduled and at the time of the appointment, Walgreens said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.