Where to find the new COVID vaccine booster shots
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The newest COVID-19 vaccinations are now available across the nation. Photo: Christina House / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The new COVID-19 vaccine formulations are starting to roll out to pharmacies across the nation.
Why it matters: The latest vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech arrive as the number of COVID infections has been on the rise in a summertime surge.
- The new vaccines target the KP.2 variant that has dominated cases nationwide this summer. KP strains account for about 70% of U.S. cases currently.
CDC COVID vaccine recommendations
Context: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older in the United States for the prevention of COVID-19."
- The CDC said vaccination is "especially important" for people in the highest risk groups, those 65 and older or with underlying medical conditions.
What they're saying: "Make a plan now to get your updated vaccine in September or October, ahead of the expected increases in (COVID-19 and flu) this winter," CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen recently said, per Today.com.
- The FDA approved a new Novavax vaccine, which is protein-based, for those 12 and older on Friday, with a 2023-2024 version no longer authorized.
COVID vaccine prices, Medicare and insurance coverage
Follow the money: The COVID-19 vaccine is available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.
- This year's updated shots come at a cost for those without insurance because of the end of the Bridge Access Program, which provided free COVID vaccines for uninsured individuals.
By the numbers: Moderna costs $141.80 per dose for private-sector customers, according to the CDC price list.
- Pfizer costs $136.75 per adult dose, the CDC list shows.
- Children doses have varying prices by dose.
How to find COVID vaccine appointments
The federal government lists pharmacies with COVID vaccine availability at Vaccines.gov.
- You can check individual pharmacy websites or call your local pharmacy. The vaccine is also expected to soon be available at doctors' offices.
- Pharmacy locations often offer one of the vaccine formulations not both.
Albertsons COVID vaccine appointment scheduler
Albertsons Companies, Inc. said appointments can be made online using the vaccine appointment scheduler on its website or app and in store at more than 1,700 Albertsons Cos. pharmacy locations.
- Locations include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME and Tom Thumb.
Vaccine perk: For every immunization at a company pharmacy, get a 10% coupon on grocery purchases up to $200. Exclusions apply, per the fine print.
CVS COVID vaccine and flu appointments
CVS is now offering the new COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines at pharmacies and its MinuteClinic locations.
- The company said its simplified digital vaccine scheduling tool makes booking appointments easier for families and groups of up to four patients.
- Walk-ins are being accepted at pharmacy locations.
Vaccine perk: CVS says for getting CDC-recommended vaccines, patients can get a $5 off $20 coupon and $2 ExtraBucks Rewards if they are an ExtraCare member and opted into pharmacy rewards. Exclusions apply.
Kroger COVID vaccine, flu and RSV shots
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., said the company's family of pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations are offering flu, COVID and RSV vaccines.
- Customers may make an appointment or walk-in to receive their vaccines.
- Kroger stores include Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, Harris Teeter and other brands.
Publix COVID vaccine appointments
Publix says on its website that pharmacies are offering the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older but notes that "product selection may be location dependent."
- Customers can book appointments online, in-store and walk-ins are also available, subject to availability.
Rite Aid updated COVID vaccine
Rite Aid told Axios that the updated COVID-19 vaccine is available at all locations.
- Customers can either schedule an appointment or walk in, the retailer said.
Sam's Club COVID vaccine walk-ins
Sam's Club told Axios that the new COVID vaccine is now available at all of its pharmacies.
- No appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome, the company shared.
Walgreens COVID vaccine availability
Walgreens confirmed to Axios that it is now offering updated COVID-19 vaccine appointments at select stores for patients 12 and older.
- The company said it encourages patients to schedule an appointment or call ahead to confirm availability.
- The retailer told Axios it expects "vaccines will be available at stores nationwide by September 6."
Walmart COVID vaccine appointments
Walmart told Axios that its pharmacists "stand ready to administer the updated Covid vaccine as supply becomes available."
- The retailer has a digital scheduler at Walmart.com/CovidVaccine and accepts walk-in appointments.
- The updated vaccine is expected to be available in all Walmart stores by mid-September.
