Starting Friday, COVID-19 vaccines will be available at some CVS pharmacies in California for those currently eligible in their state. The schedule system will open Thursday, CVS said.
The initial allocation to CVS is 250,000 doses, which is part of a partnership with the federal government. About 81,900 of these doses will come to CVS pharmacies in California, which are administered in about 100 stores, possibly including the pharmacies in Target stores.
In Southern California, places will include the following:
- Agoura hills
- Carlsbad
- Chula Vista
- Huntington beach
- Irvine
- Los angeles
- Newport beach
- San diego
Appointments are required. This can be done via CVS.com or via the CVS Pharmacy smartphone app. Those without internet access can call (800) 746-7287. CVS asks people not to contact individual pharmacies.
If this is your first dose, schedule your first and second dose at the same time. You will receive a vaccination card indicating which vaccine you received and when you should return. The pharmacy will also keep track of the dose you receive so that you receive the same second dose.
Appointments are likely to fill up quickly, but new appointments will be added daily, CVS said.
Each pharmacy only receives Pfizer or Moderna based on availability. But after more pharmacies can offer the vaccine, patients will be able to see the type of vaccination that each pharmacy offers before making an appointment.
When you arrive for your appointment, staff will ask for an insurance card, valid social security number, driving license or identity number. The CVS website says that the vaccine costs you nothing, but CVS will charge your insurance or the federal government for compensation.
CVS says its goal is to offer vaccines in almost all of its 9,900 pharmacies as soon as there is enough stock.
Walgreens also plans to begin vaccinations in stores in the counties of Riverside, Contra Costa and Placer on Friday. Appointments can be made through Walgreens’ scheduler at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine. You need to set up a Walgreens pharmacy account and complete a short selection. You will be able to schedule appointments for both doses at the same time.
There are also limited doses of vaccines available at other pharmacies, including Vons, Albertsons, Costco and Ralphs (a subsidiary of Kroger).
Rite Aid says the pharmacies are willing to administer the vaccine but have not yet received any doses.
Walmart distributes vaccines in some states, but does not intend to do so in California.
Check the website of each pharmacy for the latest information on vaccine supply and how to schedule an appointment.