Starting on Friday, COVID-19 vaccines will be available at some CVS pharmacies in California for those who are currently qualified in their county. The scheduling system will open Thursday, CVS says.
The initial allocation for CVS is 250 thousand doses, in partnership with the federal government. About 81,900 of these doses will arrive at California’s CVS pharmacies, to be administered at approximately 100 stores, possibly including pharmacies within Target stores.
In Southern California, locations will include the following, among others:
- Agoura Hills
- Carlsbad
- Chula Vista
- Huntington Beach
- Irvine
- Los Angeles
- newport beach
- San Diego
Appointments are mandatory. These can be done through CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy smartphone app. Those who do not have access to the Internet can call (800) 746-7287. CVS asks people not to contact individual pharmacies.
If it is your first dose, you will make appointments for the first and the second dose at the same time. You will receive a vaccination card that tells you which vaccine you received and when you need to return. The pharmacy will also control the dose you receive, so that you get the same second dose.
Nominations are likely to be filled quickly, but new appointments will be added daily, said CVS.
Each pharmacy will receive only Pfizer or Moderna based on availability. But, after more pharmacies can offer the vaccine, patients will be able to see the type of vaccine that each pharmacy offers before making an appointment.
When you arrive for your appointment, the team will ask for an insurance card, valid Social Security number, driver’s license or state identification number. The CVS website says the vaccine will cost nothing, but CVS will charge your insurance or the federal government for reimbursement.
CVS says its goal is to offer vaccines in almost all of its 9,900 pharmacies, once there is enough supply.
Walgreens also plans to start vaccinations in stores on Friday in Riverside, Contra Costa and Placer counties. Appointments can be made through the Walgreens scheduler at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine. You will need to make an account at the Walgreens pharmacy and complete a brief screening. You can schedule appointments for both doses at the same time.
There are also limited doses of vaccine available from other pharmacies, including Vons, Albertsons, Costco and Ralphs (a subsidiary of Kroger).
Rite Aid says its pharmacies are prepared to administer the vaccine, but have not yet received any doses.
Walmart is distributing vaccines in some states, but has no plans to do so in California.
Check each pharmacy website for the latest information on vaccine delivery and how to schedule an appointment.