About the COVID-19 vaccine:
How is CVS Health working with the CDC to make the COVID-19 vaccine available?
CVS Health has entered into a contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be one of the official COVID-19 Vaccination Program Providers. When a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized by the FDA and is available to pharmacies, the United States Government will make a supply of the publicly funded vaccine available to CVS Health for administration.
Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination under this contract?
Under this contract, vaccines for COVID-19 will be provided to patients consistent with the vaccination priorities established by the government. CVS Health will receive everything needed to administer the vaccine once it is authorized and available to pharmacies. This includes a supply of the publicly funded COVID vaccine and necessary supplies for its administration.
Will patients be charged for the vaccine?
No patient will be charged for the vaccine or for its administration.
The federal government will provide the vaccine. CVS Health will be reimbursed for the cost of administering the COVID-19 vaccine by the patient's insurance or, in the case of uninsured patients, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) program for uninsured patients. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established the reimbursement rates for administration of the vaccine for patients covered by Medicare as well as those covered by the program for the uninsured.
When will CVS Pharmacy begin offering the COVID-19 vaccine?
Once a COVID-19 vaccine (or vaccines) is (or are) authorized and available to pharmacies, CVS Health will work rapidly to make vaccinations available to the public consistent with the prescribed prioritization schedule.
How many doses of vaccine will be made available to CVS Health?
The federal government's allocation methodology will determine how many COVID-19 vaccines will be made available to CVS Health.
Which COVID vaccine will be offered? Will there be more than one type of vaccine for COVID-19?
The type of vaccine for COVID-19 made available to CVS Health will be determined by the federal government's allocation methodology.
Where will the vaccine be available under this contract?
The vaccine will be distributed to CVS Pharmacy retail locations per the agreement.
What processes are in place to manage and ensure appropriate booster shot administration (depending on the authorized vaccine)?
Patients will be required to make an appointment for their initial shot either online or through the CVS Pharmacy app. Patients scheduling a first dose of a vaccine will be prompted to schedule their booster dose appointment at the same time, if a booster shot is necessary. The scheduling system will automatically prompt patients to schedule the COVID vaccine booster dose within the appropriate clinical timeframe, while allowing enough time in case the appointment needs to be rescheduled. The patient will receive follow-up reminders to get the second dose.
Upon receiving their first dose, patients will receive a government-mandated vaccine card with all pertinent vaccination information. Detailed reporting will be shared with state, local or territorial public health authorities
In how many states will CVS Health be able to offer vaccinations for COVID-19?
CVS Health is prepared to provide vaccinations in all 50 states, as well as Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.
Who will be administering the vaccines — pharmacists, pharmacy techs or other health care providers?
Appropriate personnel under applicable state and federal laws and guidance will administer vaccines to patients. CVS Health immunizers are trained and certified according to company- and state-specific regulations. These immunizers may include pharmacists, pharmacy interns and trained pharmacy technicians, as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants. All CVS Health immunizers are trained in the administration of immunizations and hold an active CPR certification.
Is it safe to get the COVID vaccine?
CVS Health will conduct all COVID-19 vaccination services in compliance with the CDC's guidance for immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic for safe delivery of vaccines.
Is CVS Health ready to provide appropriate temperature-controlled storage of the vaccine, even if the approved vaccine requires extreme cold storage and cold-chain standards?
Yes. CVS Health is ready to appropriately store vaccines within the manufacturer's required temperature range.
Are other pharmacy chains also contracting with the federal government?
Yes, all the major national chains and a number of regional chains are helping the federal government administer as many vaccines as possible.
Is getting the COVID-19 vaccine similar to getting a flu vaccine?
Yes, the COVID vaccine process will be similar to receiving a flu vaccine, including appointment scheduling, which will be online at CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app.
Does this new vaccine agreement affect CVS Health's previous agreement to provide the vaccine to long-term care facilities?
No. CVS Health will continue to plan for the administration of on-site vaccination clinic services to residents and staff of long-term care facilities.