Retailers to begin offering updated COVID-19 vaccines

Following on the heels of the Food and Drug Administration's approval and authorization of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, many retailers, including Walgreens, CVS Health, Kinney Drugs, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Rite Aid, Bartell Drugs, Albertsons and Giant Co. are scheduling appointments and ready to provide the updated COVID-19 vaccines as soon as the vaccines are available.

Walgreens said individuals can schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments at Walgreens pharmacies nationwide within 24 hours, with availability beginning Sept. 6 and inventory arriving in the coming days. This comes on the heels of what may be the largest summer wave of the virus since July 2022, Walgreens said, noting that Walgreens pharmacists are available to help patients navigate the latest vaccination guidance including administration of multiple recommended vaccines or optimal timing of vaccinations.  

The FDA approval and CDC’s decision to recommend the new vaccine comes as the Walgreens Respiratory Index shows a national COVID-19 positivity rate of 37% as of Aug. 20.  

Across the country, 15 states saw increases in positivity rates compared to last week, with California (42.9% positivity), Colorado (43.8% positivity), New Jersey (34.5% positivity) Ohio (45.6% positivity), and Wisconsin (40.9%) among the top states on the list, Walgreens noted. 

The Walgreens Respiratory Index (previously known as the Walgreens COVID-19 index) shows the surveillance of multiple respiratory viruses at the same time nationwide and provides the treatment in select locations. This innovative tool helps communities, health professionals and the media stay informed about respiratory virus surveillance. 

[Read more: Retailers remind consumers to get flu, COVID shots, testing]

“We’re enhancing our pharmacy services, including immunizations, to protect more patients through an improved experience and enhanced digital solutions. In store, we’re implementing digital check-in, allowing patients to use a QR code to check in for their vaccine and free up pharmacists’ availabilities. We’ve also improved our appointment scheduler to help both our immunizing team members and patients schedule and manage their vaccine and testing appointments via one platform. As we see an uptick in COVID-19 and flu cases, we will continue to update Walgreens.com and our app with real-time appointment availability so patients have accurate information,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens. 

“Vaccination is the number one way you can protect against respiratory illnesses. We know immunizations can often fall off the to-do list, but it’s important for everyone to take the time to get all recommended vaccines this fall. Our Walgreens pharmacists can provide additional guidance on which vaccines are right for each individual this season and optimal timing, including whether to consider co-administration,” said Samantha Picking, director of immunizations at Walgreens.

[Read more: Walgreens releases 2023-2024 flu index]

Individuals can schedule appointments within 24 hours, with available appointments starting nationwide on Sept. 6. Additional appointments will be added daily as inventory is available. 

"We continue to update Walgreens.com and our app with real-time appointment availability. Patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS to confirm vaccine availability," Walgreens said.   

Kinney Drugs, a 100% employee-owned pharmacy chain in New York and Vermont, has received its first shipment of the COVID-19 (2024-2025 formula, KP.2) vaccine. The company is offering appointments for individuals aged three and older, including family appointments for up to three people. (Individuals aged six months to less than three years should seek an appointment with a pediatrician or general practitioner.) Walk-ins also will be available in all pharmacies beginning Friday, Aug. 30. The updated COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with all other approved vaccines including this year’s flu shot, Kinney Drugs said.

“I am pleased that we have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine and have opened appointments,” said John Marraffa, president of Kinney Drugs. "Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect yourself from COVID and the flu. Incidents of COVID-19 are already increasing throughout both New York and Vermont, so it is especially good timing with students heading back to school. In preparation, Kinney stores are also well-stocked with over-the-counter COVID tests. Kinney Drugs remains committed and determined to protect our communities against COVID-19.”

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. is reminding customers about the importance of helping to safeguard the health of our communities by receiving a flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccine, available at all Kroger Family of Pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations.

"Vaccines are a critical tool that can help prevent the spread of diseases, maintain public health, and are one of our best defenses against these diseases," said Colleen Lindholz, president of  Kroger Health. "At Kroger Health, we are committed to making these vaccines conveniently available and accessible to our customers."

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs and could lead to serious illness, hospitalization or even death. According to the CDC, everyone ages six-months and older should get an updated flu vaccine. Additionally, the CDC also recommends everyone six-months and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and possibly death. The updated vaccine, no longer a booster, is recommended as a new formulation of the vaccine and is developed every year to match circulating COVID variants, similar to how the flu vaccine is reformulated annually, Kroger noted.

Respiratory syncytial virus is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Although most people recover in a week or two, infants and older adults are more likely to develop serious RSV and need hospitalization. An RSV vaccine, which is recommended for people 75 and older or those ages 60 to 74 with chronic illnesses, can help provide extra protection from a severe RSV infection. This is not an annual vaccine; adults only need to get it once, Kroger said.

"These illnesses can result in poor health, missed work, extra medical bills or even prevent an adult from being able to care for their family," said Marc Watkins, chief medical officer at Kroger Health. "We understand that people lead busy lives. That's why we've made it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at our stores. Customers can get their groceries and their vaccine(s) in one trip, saving them time and helping them be protected."

High-dose flu vaccines, which can provide extra protection for senior citizens, regular-dose flu vaccines, as well as the most current RSV and updated COVID-19 vaccines are available at Kroger Family of Pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations at no charge to most patients with their insurance. Customers may walk-in to receive their vaccines or make an appointment.

To learn more about flu, COVID-19, RSV and other routine vaccinations, or to make an appointment, please visit: www.kroger.com/health, or visit your local pharmacy or The Little Clinic location today.

Rite Aid also announced that scheduling is now available for eligible customers seeking the updated COVID-19 (2024-2025) vaccines at its locations and at Bartell Drugs locations in the Pacific Northwest. Appointments are available immediately.

“At Rite Aid, we know our trusted pharmacy teams will be relied upon this respiratory season to help prevent the spread of viruses, including COVID-19,” said Karen Staniforth, chief pharmacy officer. “It’s important to us to provide convenient access to vaccinations and do our part in safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities. We encourage customers to do their part by getting vaccinated at their earliest convenience.”

Eligible Rite Aid customers may schedule an appointment here. Bartell Drugs customers can use the online scheduling tool linked here. Walk-ins also are available but may require a brief wait time based on demand. Other immunizations, including the flu vaccine, can also be scheduled via the online scheduling tools. Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations can be administered during the same appointment, Rite Aid said. State, age and health restrictions may apply, so ask your Rite Aid pharmacist for details.

CVS Health announced that the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines are available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide. Walk-ins are being accepted at CVS Pharmacy and the company’s digital vaccine scheduler has been updated to reflect available appointments at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic. 

“Preventive vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your family from seasonal illnesses,” said Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer at CVS Health. “Access to preventive vaccinations is critical to keeping our communities healthy. With thousands of CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations across the country, it’s easy to find and get a vaccination.” 

While patients can walk-in to any CVS Pharmacy and request a vaccination, they also can schedule an appointment in advance at CVS.com or by using the CVS Pharmacy app. The online vaccine scheduler features a simplified scheduling experience that makes it easier for families to book vaccination appointments at the CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic location that is most convenient for them. It offers the flexibility to schedule multiple patients (for up to four people) at once, allowing families, caregivers and others to get their vaccines together. Patients also ca schedule multiple vaccinations in one appointment, such as flu, COVID-19, MMR and more, the retailer said. 

“Our enhanced digital scheduling tool will make it easier than ever for patients to schedule vaccination appointments this season,” said Prem Shah, executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer at CVS Health, and president, pharmacy and consumer wellness. “Whether scheduling vaccinations for yourself or the whole family, our simplified approach to online scheduling is taking the guesswork out of booking an appointment and helping patients easily secure appointments that work for their busy lives.”

Vaccination appointments are available at CVS Pharmacy, including locations inside Target and Schnucks, and MinuteClinic seven days a week, including during evenings and weekends. MinuteClinic also offers sick symptom visits during which patients can be tested for flu, COVID-19 and strep throat, if eligible. Appointments can be scheduled at MinuteClinic.com. Select CVS Pharmacy locations also offer flu and COVID-19 testing. Patients can learn more about testing options offered at select CVS Pharmacy locations by visiting CVS.com.   

CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer more than 15 of the most common vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, shingles, hepatitis B and more. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS Pharmacy will also receive a $5 off $20 to use on in-store purchases. ExtraCare members who have opted into rewards at the pharmacy will also receive $2 in ExtraBucks Rewards for each CDC-recommended vaccine received. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost with most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. Other vaccination costs vary by insurance.

Hy-Vee also shared that the newly approved COVID-19 and flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season are now available at Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations across the Midwest. At this time, Hy-Vee is offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 12+.

Individuals can save time by scheduling an appointment in advance to receive both vaccines at their local Hy-Vee Pharmacy by visiting www.hy-vee.com/healthnew/covid-vaccine. Individuals can now schedule up to four vaccines per appointment, making the process even easier. The available vaccines include COVID-19, flu, RSV, shingles and pneumonia. Walk ins also are accepted during regular pharmacy operating hours and individuals can receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at that time, Hy-Vee said.

Those who get their flu shot at Hy-Vee can also earn a 20-cent Hy-Vee Fuel Saver reward.

The updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are free with most private and public insurance plans. Vaccine recipients should bring the following to their Hy-Vee Pharmacy appointment:

• Insurance card (if they have insurance)
• Medicare Part B red, white and blue card (if Medicare recipient)
• Photo ID 

Albertsons shared that it is offering the latest monovalent mRNA COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna along with the annual flu vaccine,

"Albertsons Cos. pharmacies provide dedicated and personalized care to millions of patients every year, and our trusted pharmacists are here to dispense medications and administer vital vaccines in preparation for the upcoming fall and winter virus season,” said Anthony DalPonte, senior vice president of pharmacy at Albertsons. “Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to keep ourselves healthy while also safeguarding our loved ones and our communities. As a long-standing community health partner, our 1,700 pharmacies nationwide make it easy to get vaccinated in a timely, safe and convenient way.”

Appointments can be made online using the vaccine appointment scheduler, available on the grocery app or website, and in store at more than 1,700 Albertsons Cos. pharmacy locations including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME and Tom Thumb. During these appointments, pharmacists can administer up to five immunizations, which includes additional vaccines, as indicated, such as those for shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, HPV and respiratory syncytial virus, Albertsons said.

In addition, pharmacists are available to support individuals and families by addressing clinical-related questions, assisting customers in making informed healthcare decisions and offering consultations on vaccination history. Most pharmacy locations offer evening and weekend hours for added convenience.

For every immunization administered at an Albertsons’ pharmacy, recipients will receive a coupon eligible for 10% off their next grocery purchase up to $200, and access to a free digital vaccine record.

Giant Co. also announced that updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are now available in all Giant and Martin’s in-store pharmacies throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Moderna’s Spikevax and Pfizer’s Comirnaty are available at Giant and Martin’s pharmacies – inventory may vary by location. Vaccines for those 12 years and older are readily available. Vaccines for those 3 – 11 years of age may be available upon request. Individuals can receive the updated vaccines if it has been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, Giant said.

Walk-in vaccinations are available, but customers can save time by booking an appointment online at here or here. Customers must bring photo ID and their prescription insurance card. Parental consent is required, and a parent/guardian must be on site.

In addition, customers can visit any in-store Giant or Martin’s pharmacy to receive their flu vaccination, the company said. 

This story has been updated.