Walgreens Announces Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Now Available Nationwide for Eligible Individuals

Rhea-AI Summary

Walgreens has announced that eligible individuals can now receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccinations along with flu shots in stores across the U.S. This follows FDA Emergency Use Authorization and CDC guidance. Eligible populations include individuals aged 65 and older, those in long-term care, and others with underlying conditions. Patients can schedule appointments through Walgreens' website or by phone. Additionally, Walgreens is offering a $5 reward for those who receive vaccinations in-store, promoting community health and convenience.

Positive

• Expansion of vaccination services with co-administration of COVID-19 and flu shots enhances community health.
• Offering a $5 Walgreens Cash reward for individuals receiving vaccines encourages higher participation.
• Continued commitment to serve long-term care facilities underlines Walgreens' role in public health.

Negative

• Booster shots currently limited to specific eligible populations, restricting broader access.
• Not widely available to the general population at this time, which may impact overall vaccination rates.

Individuals can receive their flu and COVID-19 booster shots during the same appointment

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walgreens announced today that eligible individuals can now receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccinations in stores nationwide, following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Walgreens has played a vital role in responding to COVID-19 as millions have turned to us as a convenient vaccination destination and critical point of community care,” said John Standley, president, Walgreens. “In addition to providing booster shots, our pharmacy teams remain readily available to advise patients, address questions and co-administer flu and COVID-19 primary vaccines to help protect our communities.”

Preparing for COVID-19 Boosters and Flu Vaccinations

• Scheduling and Preparing for an Appointment
  Beginning tomorrow, appointments for a COVID-19 booster shot and additional immunizations can be scheduled through Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, by calling 1-800-Walgreens or by calling a local Walgreens store.
  
  New patients to Walgreens seeking a booster shot will be asked to verify eligibility when the appointment is scheduled and at the time of the appointment. Patients can either bring their COVID-19 vaccine dose card to the appointment so the booster shot can be recorded, or information about their primary vaccine series to receive a new vaccine card noting the booster dose. Currently, patients with a registered Walgreens pharmacy account can access their vaccines records via the Walgreens website or mobile app.

• Booster Eligibility
  The following populations are eligible to receive a booster dose at this time:
  • Individuals ages 65 and older.
  • Long-term care facility residents ages 18 and older.
  • Individuals ages 18 and older with underlying medical conditions. Individuals ages 18 – 49 should consider individual benefits and risks, according to CDC guidance.
  • Individuals ages 18-64 who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting, such as healthcare and essential workers.

Eligible individuals can receive their booster shot at least six months after they completed their Pfizer COVID-19 primary vaccine series.

In addition, moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who are already eligible to receive an additional dose of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can also receive a booster dose at least six months following their additional dose.

• Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Co-administration
  Based on CDC guidelines, patients are able to receive their COVID-19 and flu or other vaccinations on the same day. Patients are encouraged to get their initial COVID-19 vaccination series or booster along with their flu shot during the same visit, saving time and providing protection against both viruses.
  
  While COVID-19 boosters are not widely available to the general population, the CDC recommends nearly everyone receive a flu shot to reduce illness and prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Patients may also choose to get their flu shot while getting up to date on other routine immunizations like shingles, pneumonia, whooping cough, meningitis, measles, tetanus, typhoid, polio and others. To schedule your flu shot appointment, go to Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.

• Long-Term Care Facilities
  The company will continue to provide vaccinations to long-term care facilities that choose to work with Walgreens as their vaccine provider. Vaccinations will be offered both in-store and through off-site clinics.

• Rewards
  To thank patients for choosing Walgreens as their vaccination destination™, Walgreens is offering a $5 Walgreens Cash reward, when you spend $20, after each vaccine received in store to individuals who have a registered myWalgreens account.*

For more information, visit Walgreens.com/covidvaccine.

*Coupon offer not valid in AR, NY, or NY. Limit 1 storewide coupon redeemed per transaction. Must be a myWalgreens™ member. Walgreens Cash rewards are not legal tender. No cash back. Walgreens Cash rewards earned on this transaction good on future purchases and not eligible for redemption in the same transaction. Valid in store only with coupon. Purchase requirement must be met in a single transaction, before taxes and after discounts, store credit and redemption dollars have been applied. Void if copied or transferred. Rewards cannot be earned on photo orders not picked up in store, alcohol, dairy, tobacco, gift cards, clinic services, prescriptions, pharmacy items or services, sales tax and items or services sold by third-party partners. Other exclusions apply. Complete details at myWalgreens.com.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the United States segment of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), a global leader in retail pharmacy. As America’s most loved pharmacy, health and beauty company, Walgreens purpose is to champion the health and well-being of every community in America. Operating more than 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving approximately 8 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with platforms bringing together physical and digital, supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in local communities nationwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210924005347/en/

Rebekah Pajak

Walgreens Media Relations

rebekah.pajak@walgreens.com

Source: Walgreens

FAQ

What recent vaccine announcement did Walgreens make regarding WBA?

Walgreens announced that eligible individuals can receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots alongside flu vaccinations in stores across the U.S.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 booster shots at Walgreens?

Eligible individuals include those aged 65 and older, long-term care residents, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and those at increased risk due to occupational exposure.

How can I schedule a COVID-19 booster shot at Walgreens?

Appointments for COVID-19 booster shots can be scheduled via Walgreens' website or by calling a local store.

Is Walgreens offering any rewards for COVID-19 vaccinations?

Yes, Walgreens is offering a $5 Cash reward for customers who receive vaccinations in-store and spend $20.

Can I get the flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same time at Walgreens?

Yes, patients can receive both vaccinations in the same appointment, promoting convenience and health safety.