COVID-19: Vaccine information
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination and answers to many other questions you might have.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available in select locations. We are administering the COVID-19 vaccine by appointment only in select stores, based on local eligibility guidelines.
Vaccines in a retail setting are offered on an appointment-only basis via CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app, and those without online access can contact customer service.
COVID-19: We’re with you on this journey
From testing to providing fact-based information, we have been beside you as a trusted resource. In our new role as a leading provider of COVID-19 vaccinations, you can continue to count on us.
CVS Pharmacy is administering the COVID-19 vaccine based on state and local jurisdiction eligibility guidelines, in a very limited number of locations. Over the coming weeks and months, we are prepared to play a prominent role in administering the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public.
Throughout the pandemic, we have made COVID-19 testing accessible to thousands of communities nationwide and we stand ready to help you get vaccinated safely.
We have unmatched experience safely and effectively administering vaccinations. In 2020, we administered nearly 20 million non-COVID-19 vaccinations – this includes more than double the number of flu shots given in 2019.
We have also made significant investments in our cold chain distribution capabilities in preparation for the COVID-19 vaccines and our CVS Pharmacy locations are equipped to safely store the vaccines.
Most importantly, our team of experienced health care professionals — including pharmacists, trained pharmacy technicians, and nurses — are skilled at administering vaccinations and look forward to playing a key role in helping vaccinate you when the time is right.
FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine
In this video, Dr. Sree Chaguturu, MD, answers these questions:
- The vaccine was made very quickly. Did this compromise safety?
- Can I get the vaccine if I have underlying health conditions or if I’m immunocompromised?
- Can I get the vaccine if I’m pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding?
- What are the short- and long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
- How will theHealth Care system track and study the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
- Should I be worried about having an allergic reaction to the vaccine?
- If I am vaccinated against COVID-19, can I spread the virus to others?
In this video, Dr. Sree Chaguturu, MD, answers these questions:
- How is vaccine being distributed in this country?
- When can I get the vaccine (when it will be “my turn”)?
- Where do I go to get the vaccine?
- Can I get the vaccine at CVS Pharmacy?
- How much will it cost me to get vaccinated?
- Can my children get the vaccine?
- Can I get vaccinated if I currently have COVID-19 or if I have cold symptoms?
- Do I still need to get vaccinated if I already had the virus?
In this video, Dr. Sree Chaguturu, MD, answers these questions:
- Are the two currently FDA-authorized vaccines equally effective?
- Can I choose which vaccine I get?
- Will I still be protected from the virus if I’m late getting the second vaccine dose? What if I don’t get the second dose at all?
- After I get the second dose, how long before the vaccine takes effect?
- The virus continues to mutate; will the vaccine work on new strains?
- How often will I need to get the COVID-19 vaccination?
In this video, Dr. Sree Chaguturu, MD, answers these questions:
- Are the two currently FDA-authorized vaccines equally effective?
- Can I choose which vaccine I get?
- Will I still be protected from the virus if I’m late getting the second vaccine dose? What if I don’t get the second dose at all?
- After I get the second dose, how long before the vaccine takes effect?
- The virus continues to mutate; will the vaccine work on new strains?
- How often will I need to get the COVID-19 vaccination?
We are working in communities to address COVID-19 vaccine education and equity
To address potential inequities related to COVID-19 vaccine access, we have launched a strategy to address COVID-19 vaccine education and equity in vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on Black and Hispanic populations.
Across our businesses, and with our network of community-based leaders and nonprofit organizations, we are working to reach out to patients with the goal of increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates.
We are prioritizing CVS pharmacies located in vulnerable communities as we begin to offer vaccinations in select states and locations. As we expand to additional states and locations, we will also increase access to vaccines by using use mobile vaccination vans and offering community-based vaccination clinics working with nonprofit organizations.
We believe we can play an important role educating the communities we serve about the vaccines and helping increase equitable access across the country.
COVID-19 vaccines available at select CVS Pharmacy locations
In select CVS Pharmacy locations, vaccines are currently available only for priority populations, as determined by state and federal governments. Once vaccines are available to the general public, we expect to vaccinate in CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide with the ability to administer up to 20-25 million shots per month, provided adequate supply is available.
Eligible customers are now able to schedule their vaccinations – both the initial shot and the required second dose - at cvs.com or through the CVS app.
Read our FAQs for more information on COVID-19 vaccines in CVS Pharmacy.
Long-term care vaccinations to be complete by mid-March.
As of February 16, we’ve administered more than 3 million vaccine doses to the patients and staff in over 40,000 long-term care facilities across the country. We completed the first doses of vaccine administration in all Skilled Nursing Facilities--- and will complete the second doses by the end of the month as planned. We are on track to complete both doses of vaccine administration for Assisted Living Facilities by mid-March. This will fulfill our commitment to administer vaccines in long-term care facilities.
Recent COVID-19 vaccine news
U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Program
More information on the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including safety information and information on specific vaccines, can be found on the Centers for Disease Control’s COVID-19 vaccines page.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website