CVS said Thursday it now offers coronavirus vaccinations in 29 states and territories with the federal government’s assistance, vastly increasing its number of available locations.
The drugstore chain, via the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program (FRPP), now offers free vaccinations in nearly 1,200 stores in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.
Company officials say this is nearly double the 17 states where it previously offered vaccinations, though not every store location will offer immunizations.
“We’re increasing the number of active stores and expanding to additional states as fast as supply allows, with the capacity to administer 20-25 million shots per month,” said Karen S. Lynch, CVS Health’s president and chief executive officer. “We’re also focused on priority populations, including vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic as well as teachers and school support staff.”
Appointments in the newly available locations can be made starting Saturday, the company said.
The Biden administration announced last week FRPP partners would prioritize teachers and child care workers.
“From March 3 to March 10, this population accounted for more than 30 percent of COVID-19 vaccine appointments at CVS Pharmacy locations,” the company said.
