Schedule your FREE COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot today.*
No cost with insurance or through a federal program for the uninsured.
Schedule your FREE COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot today.*
No cost with insurance or through a federal program for the uninsured.
Get your COVID-19 vaccine, and enter to win amazing prizes with the CVS® #OneStepCloser Sweepstakes!
CVS Health® is awaiting guidance from the CDC on a possible COVID-19 booster shot for select recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines. Check back for details.
If you need help getting to your vaccine appointment, Lyft and the YMCA are offering access to free or discounted rides. Available in select areas and subject to availability.
COVID-19 vaccines and doses
- After a detailed review of clinical trials, the FDA advises that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective in preventing serious illness caused by COVID-19, and is fully approved for ages 16+.
- Emergency use authorization (EUA) continues for ages 12 to 15. EUAs for COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen remain in effect.
- Did you know? Flu and COVID-19 are two different viruses, each requiring its own vaccine. To ensure you are protected, both vaccines are recommended.
- Booster shots are now available to select individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, six months after their second dose. Eligibility includes those ages 65+ and those ages 18 to 64 with underlying health conditions or at high risk for occupational or institutional exposure. Get CDC details
Vaccine side effects
- Minor side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection.
- Common side effects may include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain or chills and fever.
- The vaccine does not contain the virus so it cannot give you COVID-19.
How to prepare for your vaccine
- Prior to your vaccination, make sure you are well rested and hydrated.
- It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects.
- You may take these medications after receiving your vaccine to help with side effects
- Wear a loose-fitting shirt with short sleeves to allow access to your arm.
Guidelines for those fully vaccinated
- You may gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people.
- Also, you no longer need to get tested before or after domestic travel, or to self-quarantine after domestic travel.
- Continue to wear a mask and social distance in public to protect those who have not yet been vaccinated.
- While the risk is low, if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, isolate from others, and contact your health care provider.
What others are saying
“The scheduling process for the vaccination was easy and went exactly as I expected it go. Keep up the good work CVS!”
CVS Customer, Pennsylvania
“The experience was great. No line. Everything was marked clearly and I was met at the door."
CVS Customer, Louisiana
“This was an excellent experience! Well organized. Not crowded. Right on schedule.”
CVS Customer, Alabama
If you need help getting to your vaccine appointment, Lyft and the YMCA are offering access to free or discounted rides. Available in select areas and subject to availability.
What others are saying
“I am so thankful for the kind pharmacist who administered my daughter's vaccine. My daughter was anxious and they actually took their time to comfort her and explain everything.”
CVS Customer, North Carolina
“The experience was great. No line. Everything was marked clearly and I was met at the door."
CVS Customer, Louisiana
“My husband and I just had our COVID booster shot AND our flu shot at the same time! The pharmacist was wonderful with our injections and gave us all the information we needed.”
CVS Customer, Missouri
About the COVID-19 vaccines
- Currently two types of vaccines are available: mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) vaccine and viral vector (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) vaccine.
- All vaccines teach your body how to make antibodies to the spike protein unique to the COVID-19 virus so you are protected against infection.
- Two weeks after your last dose, you will be protected against serious illness caused by COVID-19.
Vaccine side effects
- Minor side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection.
- Common side effects may include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain or chills and fever.
- The vaccine does not contain the virus so it cannot give you COVID-19.
How to prepare for your vaccine
- Prior to your vaccination, make sure you are well rested and hydrated.
- It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects.
- You may take these medications after receiving your vaccine to help with side effects
- Wear a loose-fitting shirt with short sleeves to allow access to your arm.
Guidelines for those fully vaccinated
- You may gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people.
- Also, you no longer need to get tested before or after domestic travel, or to self-quarantine after domestic travel.
- Continue to wear a mask and social distance in public to protect those who have not yet been vaccinated.
- While the risk is low, if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, isolate from others, and contact your health care provider.
What others are saying
“The scheduling process for the vaccination was easy and went exactly as I expected it go. Keep up the good work CVS!”
CVS Customer, Pennsylvania
“The experience was great. No line. Everything was marked clearly and I was met at the door."
CVS Customer, Louisiana
“This was an excellent experience! Well organized. Not crowded. Right on schedule.”
CVS Customer, Alabama
We'll help keep you informed about the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The authorized vaccines have been shown to prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19
- mRNA vaccines train our bodies to trigger an immune response to the disease, and don't affect or interact with our DNA in any way
- Vaccine development process was informed by decades of research and large-scale clinical trials with thousands of participants
- They may include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain or chills and fever
- Remember, the vaccine does not contain the virus, so it cannot give you COVID-19
Why get the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS Health®?
Why get the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS Health®?
- We've administered millions of COVID-19 tests to date
- We have years of experience safely administering vaccines, such as those for flu, shingles and pneumonia
- We offer easy and convenient online scheduling options so you can schedule both required doses at the same time
Why get the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS Health®?
Why get the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS Health®?
- We've administered millions of COVID-19 tests to date
- We have years of experience safely administering vaccines, such as those for flu, shingles and pneumonia
- We offer easy and convenient online scheduling options so you can schedule both required doses at the same time
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What to expect when getting the COVID-19 vaccine at CVS
View TranscriptGet the details of the steps to schedule and receive your COVID-19 vaccination at a CVS Pharmacy location
Why get the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS Health®?
- We've administered millions of COVID-19 tests to date
- We have years of experience safely administering vaccines, such as those for flu, shingles and pneumonia
- We offer easy and convenient online scheduling options so you can schedule both required doses at the same time
Why get the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS Health®?
- We've administered millions of COVID-19 tests to date
- We have years of experience safely administering vaccines, such as those for flu, shingles and pneumonia
- We offer easy and convenient online scheduling options so you can schedule both required doses at the same time
With every COVID-19 vaccination administered, we get one step closer to a better tomorrow. Share what you can't wait to be #OneStepCloser to.
CVS Health® is proud to be a Founding Partner of the Ad Council's COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative
Get vaccine answers
More ways to help protect your health
If you aren’t fully vaccinated, please continue to wear your face covering, practice physical distancing and wash your hands frequently to help reduce COVID-19 transmission.
To get your COVID-19 vaccinations, schedule an appointment online or through the CVS Pharmacy app.
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
The FDA has rigorous scientific and regulatory processes in place to facilitate development and ensure the safety, effectiveness and quality of COVID-19 vaccines. As of August 23, 2021, the FDA has issued full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for ages 16+.
The previously issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those ages 12 to 15 and third doses for the immunocompromised, as well as EUAs for COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, remain in effect. An EUA gives the FDA authority to allow unapproved medical products to be used in emergencies when no approved alternatives are available. Other COVID-19 vaccines are in development and will be reviewed by the FDA under EUA. Find the current status of the vaccine approvals and EUAs.
CVS Health has administered more than 32 million COVID-19 tests and 34 million COVID-19 vaccines. The Company maintains a strong commitment to vaccine and testing equity and continues to optimize site locations and targeted outreach initiatives in order to reach vulnerable populations.
The following guidelines have been set by the ACIP and CDC:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
- People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
- People 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risk
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
For additional information about booster eligibility, please visit the CDC website.
At this time, the Pfizer-BioNTech booster recommendation only applies to people whose primary series was Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine may also be recommended to receive a booster shot. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) booster shots are expected in the coming weeks. Visit the CDC website for more information and updates.
Effective Friday, September 24, booster shots are available at select CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and District of Columbia.
Yes, the booster is available at no cost to any eligible patient either through insurance or a federal program for the uninsured.
Patients interested in receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at CVS.com or MinuteClinic.com. Advanced scheduling is recommended for patients looking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from a specific manufacturer to ensure that it is available at the clinic of their choice. At this time, each participating CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic is offering either the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, not all three.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 continues to spread in the United States and variants are circulating. You can take steps to protect yourself from the virus and its variants by getting a COVID-19 vaccine and taking other safety precautions including avoiding crowds and washing your hands often. For more information, please see the CDC's page on variants.
The FDA and the CDC are confident that the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing COVID-19. At this time, the available data suggests that the chance of developing a rare blood disorder – thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) – is very low, and the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.
For women between the ages of 18 and 49, this adverse event is rare, occurring at a rate of about 7 per 1 million vaccinated women. For women 50 years and older and men of all ages, this adverse event is even more rare. Women younger than 50 should be aware that other COVID-19 vaccines are available where this risk has not been seen.
Patients who receive the Janssen vaccine should monitor for severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath for 2 weeks after administration.
If experiencing symptoms, patients should contact their healthcare provider.
The Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are offered in select CVS locations. Find locations and schedule your appointment.
Yes, all children ages 12-15 are eligible to receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at CVS Pharmacy, provided there is parental or legal guardian consent and the child is accompanied by an adult.
At this time, our CVS Pharmacy locations that are currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine have either the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine – not more than one type at this time. Patients are able to see which CVS Pharmacy location has which vaccine and appointment availability on CVS.com before scheduling, which is recommended especially when looking for an appointment for children ages 12–15 that require the Pfizer vaccine. Our online scheduling tool will only display appointments at locations that have the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine once the patient’s age is provided.
Yes, a parent or legal guardian must complete the online registration on cvs.com for minors seeking the COVID-19 vaccine. An adult must accompany children ages 12–15 to the appointment at CVS Pharmacy, but does not need to accompany teens ages 16 and older, unless required by local or state law.
CVS Health immunizers include pharmacists, pharmacy interns and trained pharmacy technicians, as well as other qualified health care professionals depending on each state’s specific regulations. All CVS Health immunizers are certified according to company requirements, trained in the administration of immunizations, and hold an active CPR certification.
Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have two doses, with the second dose coming a few weeks after the first. Pfizer-BioNTech's second dose comes three weeks after the first, and Moderna's comes four weeks later. The second dose gives people a strong, long-lasting immunity. While these two vaccines include a second dose, the Janssen vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) requires one dose.
At this time, our select CVS Pharmacy locations that are currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible populations have either the Moderna, Pfizer or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine – not more than one type at this time. Patients will be able to see which CVS Pharmacy location has which vaccine and appointment availability on cvs.com before scheduling. Depending on which vaccine you receive, you will be prompted to schedule a second dose if needed.
The COVID-19 vaccine is no cost with insurance or through a federal program for the uninsured.
The FDA has authorized three COVID-19 vaccines which have been shown to be safe and effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. This data demonstrates that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with COVID 19. CVS Health is only administering vaccines that have been authorized for use by the FDA and our COVID-19 vaccination services are being conducted in compliance with CDC guidance for safe delivery of vaccines.
According to the CDC, you may have some side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. Common side effects include pain and swelling on the arm where you got the shot, and fever, chills, tiredness and headache throughout the rest of your body.
CVS Health immunizers are trained in the safe administration of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use by the FDA, including identifying and treating allergic reactions. The vaccination procedures include a patient screening checklist to assess the risk of reaction. All patients are monitored for 15 minutes after administration of the injection, or longer for people with a history of severe allergic reactions. Our immunizers are equipped with appropriate medications, such as epinephrine and antihistamines. Further information on COVID-19 Vaccines and allergic reactions can be found here.
On February 2, 2021, the CDC announced the next phase of the vaccination program – the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. As part of this program, CVS Health is receiving vaccine allocations supply from the federal government and is now vaccinating eligible populations in 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
On May 13, the CDC updated its guidance for fully vaccinated people including new guidance that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Read the full guidance.
Yes, when scheduling an appointment on CVS.com, patients are given a choice of where they’d like to schedule their two appointments (if required).
Patients receive email and text confirmations for each scheduled dose, as well as reminders that are sent 7 days and 2 days out, and a check-in reminder 15 mins prior to each appointment.
Beginning June 18, customers and patients 18 years of age and older will also be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at select MinuteClinic locations in 14 states and Washington, DC. These new locations are in addition to the more than 9,600 CVS Pharmacy locations that are offering the vaccine across all 50 states.
At this time, MinuteClinic is only offering the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen). We look to offer other brands of the COVID-19 vaccine in the future.
COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to all patients 18 and older at participating MinuteClinic locations. Currently, customers can walk-in to a participating MinuteClinic location and register for an appointment at the kiosk outside the clinic or add-on the vaccine if they are visiting the clinic for another health care service. Soon, patients will also be able to schedule a vaccine online at MinuteClinic.com.
*FOR COVID-19 VACCINE COST: The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available at select CVS Pharmacy® locations and is no cost with most insurance plans or through a federal program for the uninsured.
*FOR WALK-INS: Subject to vaccine availability.
*FOR $5 OFF $20 SHOPPING PASS: Offer available August 15, 2021 through December 31, 2021 while supplies last. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require two doses, the shopping pass will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Reward cannot be earned in AR, NJ or NY. Offer not valid at MinuteClinic® locations in MA, NJ, NY, PA and RI. Coupon cannot be issued or redeemed at CVS Pharmacy at Target or CVS Pharmacy at Schnucks® locations. ExtraCare® card required to receive savings.
*FOR MINUTECLINIC AVAILABILITY: Vaccine available at select MinuteClinic® locations. Find eligible clinics.
*FOR SIDE EFFECTS: All CVS Health® immunizers will be certified according to company requirements and trained in the administration of immunizations, and will hold an active CPR certification.
*FOR CDC RECOMMENDATIONS AND SOURCING: Learn more about CDC data sources, exclusions and estimates.
*FOR VACCINE ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES: All CVS Health certified immunizers are trained in the administration of vaccines and hold an active CPR certification.