US pharmacies prepare for launch of updated COVID-19 shots

Robert Besser
17 Sep 2023, 21:48 GMT+10

This week, U.S. drugstore chains CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance said that updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available at their stores as soon as this week
Shots were already being delivered in some locations, including a Northwell Health facility in New York
On September 12, the U.S. CDC approved the use of updated COVID-19 vaccines, which were specifically developed against the current circulating virus variants

ATLANTA, Georgia: This week, U.S. drugstore chains CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance said that updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available at their stores as soon as this week.

Shots were already being delivered in some locations, including a Northwell Health facility in New York.

On September 12, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the use of updated COVID-19 vaccines, which were specifically developed against the current circulating virus variants.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved an updated vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, and one made by Moderna for people aged 12 and over.

It also authorized the shots for emergency use in children aged six months to 11 years.

Walgreens said it had started taking appointments for the updated vaccines from September 11, while Rite Aid said appointments would be live later in the week.

CVS said some pharmacies had started receiving the new vaccines, but retail chain Walmart has not responded to requests for comment.

In May, the U.S. government ended the COVID-19 public health emergency status and handed over the responsibility for vaccinations to the private sector, but shots will still be free for most Americans with health insurance coverage.

The U.S. government also said that it was drafting a program to provide free vaccines to people without insurance.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Ohio Standard.

More Information

72 ℉

Cloudy in Columbus

US

Section

Flamingos cause a flutter at Lake Michigan beach in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wisconsin: Last week, five flamingos were seen along a Lake Michigan beach in Wisconsin, attracting a large crowd of ...

UAW stir hits GM, Stellantis dealers, customers with parts shortage

DETROIT, Michigan: This week, the United Auto Workers (UAW) expanded its members' strike to include dealers selling and servicing General ...

Lahaina officials lift restrictions for residents to return after wildfire

LAHAINA, Hawaii: This week, officials are expected to begin lifting restrictions on entry to the burn zone in Lahaina, Hawaii, ...

240,000 Ford EcoSport SUVs being investigated for oil pump failures

WASHINGTON D.C.: After consumer complaints of oil pump failures, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation ...