COVID-19 Booster Shots Now Available at Walmart and Sam's Club Pharmacies

Strategic Insights -

Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies are now ready to administer booster shots for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccines, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) authorization. This development comes after Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine became eligible as a booster in September. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to ensure the health and safety of oneself, loved ones, and the community. COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to limit the spread of the virus and its variants, while also being extremely effective in preventing serious illness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC has authorized booster shots for Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines, which can be administered starting at least six months after the second dose for individuals 65 years of age and older, and individuals 18 to 64 years of age at high risk for severe COVID-19.
  • Pfizer and Moderna booster shots are authorized for individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18 to 64 years of age at high risk for severe COVID-19, and individuals with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19.
  • J&J vaccine booster is authorized for individuals 18 years of age and older, with a single booster shot available starting 2 months after the single dose.
  • The most common side effects after a booster shot are fatigue and pain at the injection site.
  • The FDA has authorized heterologous or mix and match boosters, allowing individuals to receive a different COVID-19 vaccine as a booster shot.
  • Walmart will continue to administer all FDA-authorized or approved vaccines and boosters, including those from Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J.

Statistics:

  • The CDC has found reactions reported for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were similar to what has been associated with second doses and a single dose of the J&J COVID-19 vaccines, with most common side effects being fatigue and pain at the injection site.
  • The CDC has authorized booster shots for the following groups: individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18 to 64 years of age at high risk for severe COVID-19, and individuals with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19.
  • The J&J vaccine booster is authorized for individuals 18 years of age and older.

Sources:

  • CDC
  • FDA
  • Walmart
  • CDC's COVID-19 vaccine booster shots page