CVS and Walgreens began distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible parties on Friday, speeding up the distribution of the vaccine.
As I wrote for the Deseret News, experts believe pharmacies will help lift the slow rollout of the vaccine and protect more Americans from the novel coronavirus.
- “The federal government is providing 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for the launch of the program,” a CDC spokesman told CBS News. “We are not able to confirm how many doses will be provided weekly to pharmacy partners during future weeks, but weekly allocations are anticipated to eventually increase as the vaccine supply increases.”
However, the federal government has discouraged people from visiting their local pharmacies. Instead, people should book appointments, according to CBS News.
Here’s a quick guide to booking an appointment. Note: This list is for the entire United States and not solely focused on one individual state. Details differ based on your location. Consult your local health department for eligibility.
CVS
CVS is currently offering vaccinations to “eligible populations” in 11 different states. The vaccines will be distributed on an appointment-only basis. People can make their appointments online or through the CVS app. Anyone without access can call the company’s customer service line.
Walmart
Walmart is currently distributing the COVID-19 vaccine in 22 different states, including Utah. Vaccine availability varies per state. Eligible customers can schedule an appointment through Walmart’s website.
Walgreens
Walgreens is offering vaccinations in 15 different states. Eligible customers can book their appointments on the online scheduler tool. Walgreens will not provide the vaccine through walk-ins because they have a limited supply, per Fox Business.
What about Utah?
Smith’s and Walmart pharmacies are set to begin offering no-cost vaccinations to Utahns who are eligible for the COVID-19 shots, according to the Deseret News.
Eligible people can make appointments online at 39 of Smith’s 53 Utah pharmacies, and Friday at 18 of Walmart’s 59 pharmacies and Sam’s Club pharmacy in Logan.