Covid Vaccine in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Now offering the FREE COVID-19 vaccine in select stores
We're administering the vaccine by appointment only based on local eligibility guidelines.
No cost with insurance or through federal program for the uninsured.
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
If I am in one of the prioritized groups for vaccination in my state, can I get vaccinated at CVS Pharmacy? If not, when will CVS start offering vaccines and how will I know?
As part of the vaccine rollout, CVS Health is currently working with several states through the federal partnership with the CDC or through a direct partnership with the state. Frequently check vaccine availability on this page for the latest updates on when members of these prioritized groups can make online appointments for vaccinations at CVS Pharmacy locations in their area. Timing and eligibility will vary from state to state, according to state guidelines.
Who is administering the vaccines? Pharmacists? Pharmacy technicians? Other health care providers?
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.
Will children be able to receive vaccinations?
The first COVID-19 vaccines to become available are not yet approved for use in young children. The clinical trials conducted to date by Pfizer tested its vaccine’s safety and efficacy in patients 16 years of age and older. Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)’s vaccines were tested in patients 18 years of age and older. Researchers are conducting additional studies on how the vaccines affect younger children. CVS Health is monitoring those trials and will follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the age of individuals eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
*Per the CDC on 4/13/21, CVS Health has paused all administration of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine until further notice.
Why is it important to get the second shot for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine?
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.
*Per the CDC on 4/13/21, CVS Health has paused all administration of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine until further notice.
Can patients choose which COVID-19 vaccine they receive at CVS Pharmacy?
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.
Given limited supply of all three types of COVID-19 vaccines at this time, we recommend that you receive whichever shot is available to you now, based on your state’s eligibility and supply, to best protect you and your community against COVID-19.
*Per the CDC on 4/13/21, CVS Health has paused all administration of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine until further notice.
How is CVS Health verifying patient eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
As part of the scheduling process on CVS.com, patients are asked to attest that all information provided during appointment set up is truthful and accurate. Some states will also require the collection of IDs to verify eligibility and we are complying with that requirement. We reserve the right to cancel appointments if it is determined that information provided for establishing eligibility is not truthful.
Are patients being charged for the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is no cost with insurance or through a federal program for the uninsured.
Will you be able to walk into any CVS Pharmacy and get a COVID-19 vaccine or will an appointment be required?
An appointment will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at CVS Pharmacy. Customers will be able to easily schedule their vaccinations—both the initial shot and the second dose (if required)—at CVS.com or through the CVS app. Anyone requiring assistance with the scheduling tool or without access to a computer or mobile device will be encouraged to contact CVS Customer Service.
Is getting the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
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.
What kind of side effects should people expect from the COVID-19 vaccine?
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.
How is CVS Health prepared to deal with possible allergic reactions to the vaccine?
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.
What is the Federal Pharmacy Program and how does it work?
The Federal Pharmacy Partnership, announced last November and activated on February 2, 2021, includes 21 pharmacy chains, including CVS Health. Under this program, pharmacy partners will receive direct distributions of vaccine allowing them to offer COVID-19 vaccines in communities across the country. Patient eligibility for the vaccine is determined by states, with most states prioritizing health care workers, seniors, and certain categories of frontline essential workers in the initial phases.
Given the extremely limited supply, however, the number of pharmacies offering vaccine in each state is very limited initially. As supply increases, the number of states, as well as the number of pharmacies within each state, where CVS Health is able to provide the vaccine will increase. Assuming adequate supply of the vaccine and supplies, CVS Health has the capacity to administer 20-25 million doses a month.
The Federal Pharmacy Program is different from the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care that was activated in December. As part of the long-term care partnership, the federal government directly distributes vaccine to CVS Health, Walgreens, and select Managed Health Care Associates pharmacies. Those pharmacies are conducting onsite clinics at more than 75,000 facilities across the country, often delivering vaccines at patients’ bedsides.
All of the appointment slots are booked. When will more be available?
We understand making an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine can be a frustrating experience, given the limited number of vaccines that have been allotted to CVS Health by the state and federal governments. In most (if not all) states, the number of individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccine under the state’s rules far outnumber the state’s available doses. As we receive additional shipments of vaccines, more appointments will open up on CVS.com, so we encourage you to continue to check for an open appointment at a CVS Pharmacy in your area.
What does the CDC recommend for people who have been fully vaccinated?
On March 8, 2021, the CDC issued its first set of recommendations on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume.View the recommendations.
Are teachers and daycare staff eligible to receive the vaccine at CVS Pharmacy?
We’ve aligned with updated Federal Retail Pharmacy Program directive by making appointments available to pre-K through 12 educators and staff and childcare workers in the states where we currently offer COVID-19 vaccines as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.
Why is CVS Pharmacy temporarily pausing the administration of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine?
We have implemented a pause in the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine per the recommendation from federal health agencies. We continue to offer both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.
Are patients being proactively notified that their appointments are being cancelled?
Due to this pause, we are texting all customers who have a scheduled appointment to receive the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine at CVS Pharmacy to inform them that their appointment is being cancelled. We regret any inconvenience and will follow up with affected customers to reschedule their appointments as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms to be concerned about and what should I do if I experience these symptoms?
According to the CDC, these adverse events “appear to be extremely rare.” If you have received the Janssen vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination you should contact your health care provider or seek medical care.
*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 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.
