COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Expand to Eligible Populations

Strategic Insights -

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released recommendations on who should receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, major pharmacy chains such as CVS Pharmacy began rolling out Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots on September 24. This expansion includes individuals 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who work or live in high-risk settings. In an effort to expedite wait times, CVS pharmacy recommends making online appointments rather than walking in.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC recommends that eligible populations receive Pfizer booster shots no sooner than six months after the second of their two vaccine doses.
  • CVS Pharmacy is offering booster shots at nearly 6,000 locations, with online appointments available to expedite wait times.
  • CVS is following CDC guidelines, asking individuals to "self-attest" their eligibility and providing the vaccine manufacturer and date of their last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
  • Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) has begun rolling out booster shots to a limited number of employees, with plans to expand access to other employees in the future.
  • The booster shot is not mandated at DHMC, but the hospital recommends eligible employees receive a booster shot when available.
  • Dick's House at Dartmouth College Health Service is not currently offering booster shots and has not established a timeline for their availability.

Statistics:

  • CVS Pharmacy is offering booster shots at nearly 6,000 locations.
  • CVS Health has administered more than 34 million total COVID-19 vaccines across the country.
  • Booster shots are currently available to individuals 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who work or live in high-risk settings.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
  • CVS Pharmacy press release on offering booster shots.
  • Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) statement on booster shot availability.