The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends vaccination against Covid-19 for everyone 6 months and older. But how much does it cost, and how easy is it to receive it in your area?
For your convenience, the government has made it possible to get vaccinated at pharmacies in your area. Keep reading to find out where and how to go about it. You’ll also learn about what costs you may face for a Covid-19 vaccine shortly.
Which Pharmacies Administer The Covid-19 Vaccine?
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for Covid-19 Vaccination is a collaboration between the government and more than 20 national pharmacy partners as well as independent pharmacy networks.
There are many pharmacies throughout the US where you can get your Covid-19 vaccine for free – even if you don’t have insurance. Ask your local pharmacy if you are unsure whether or not they are participating in this program. But you won’t have to go very far to find one that is.
These are the most popular retail pharmacies where people can receive their Covid vaccine.
CVS
CVS is the largest pharmacy store chain in the United States. All individuals aged 12 and above may freely receive their vaccination at CVS branches in the following states:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
Costco
Costco is not only great for bulk-buying household essentials. They are also offering the Covid-19 vaccine at select stores. Currently, the vaccine is available in branches in Arizona, New York City, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington.
Rite-Aid
Any of Rite Aid Corp’s 2,500 stores can offer you the Covid-19 vaccine without a prior appointment. With so many stores on board, you’ll have no problem finding a branch near you to get your Covid-19 vaccine.
The Kroger
The Kroger Co. is committed to providing the Covid-19 vaccine in as many stores as possible. This is a work in progress, and more and more branches get added to the list. Contact them for more up-to-date information about participating branches in your area.
Walgreens
Walgreens is the second-largest pharmacy store chain in the United States. So it comes as no surprise that you can get your vaccine at any one of the 9,000 Walgreens stores across the US.
Walmart
Walmart Inc. has made the vaccine available in more than 5,100 of their pharmacies across the US. No prior appointment is necessary.
How To Receive A Covid-19 Vaccine At Major Pharmacies
Contact your local pharmacy, or wherever you choose to receive your vaccination and make an appointment. Ask about the vaccine they use, and discuss any concerns about side effects or complications that you have.
There are currently three main types of COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States. These are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Different vaccines each have their own pros and cons.
When you show up for your vaccine, you’ll receive a fact sheet about the vaccine you’re receiving. Each vaccine has its particular fact sheet. You’ll also receive a vaccination card. If this is not your first shot, you’ll already have this card. This card must be updated with every dose or booster shot.
You don’t have to return to the same pharmacy for any booster shots. You can go to another vaccine provider if you wish. But you’ll need to present your vaccine card at whichever place you go for subsequent shots and boosters.
How Much Is The Covid Vaccine Without Insurance?
The cost of vaccines without insurance can be very high. But what about the Covid-19 vaccine? As it’s recommended for everyone over 6 months to get it, it should be affordable or free, right? Yes, which is why the vaccine is currently still available free of charge.
The cost of the Covid-19 vaccine has been absorbed by taxpayer dollars. The Covid-19 vaccine test without insurance has been and continues to be free. And there are several places where you can receive your Covid-19 vaccine.
However, this free rollout of vaccines may change shortly. Covid-19 vaccines have been free during the pandemic, thanks to federal funding. But there will likely be a charge for vaccinations after the COVID Public Health Emergency ends in May 2023.
Pfizer may then price its Covid-19 vaccines at $110 to $130 per dose. Moderna, at first, planned similar pricing but has since committed to keeping their vaccine free. Any costs that are applied to the Covid vaccine will be easier with insurance.
Irrespective of whether or not you have health insurance, you can get your Covid vaccine at any of the pharmacies mentioned above.
What You Need To Bring To Your Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, and/or take any chronic medications, this may affect the efficacy of the vaccine. You may also experience side effects. Inform your vaccinator of these medical conditions and prescribed medications.
When you go to your appointment, you may need to present the following items:
Vaccination Card
If you have had a vaccine shot for Covid-19 before, you’ll have a vaccination card. This card is very important, as it holds all the data about your shots and any boosters you receive. Take this with you to the pharmacy for your Covid-19 vaccine appointment. In some states, this may be a digital card or QR code.
Health Insurance Card (If You Have One)
Currently, Covid-19 vaccines are free – even if you don’t have insurance. However, this is subject to change. So take your health insurance card with you to your vaccination. If you don’t have insurance, take the aforementioned items and tell the pharmacist that you are uninsured.
You may be asked for proof of identification (government-issued picture ID). If your state currently has a mask mandate, be sure to wear this when attending your vaccination.
Social Security Number
If this is not your first vaccination you may just be asked for your social security number. This is to enable the authorities to keep track of how many people are vaccinated, for statistical purposes.
Not all pharmacists will ask for this. But if they don’t know you and you have no insurance card, they may ask for it.
Covid-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Are pharmacists qualified to administer vaccines?
Yes, pharmacists and, in some cases, pharmacy interns are qualified to administer Covid-19 and other vaccines. They have extensive medical knowledge and are prepared for vaccination administration.
However, to administer the Covid-19 vaccine, the pharmacy must have registered with the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for Covid-19 Vaccination.
Can a pharmacist charge you to administer a Covid-19 vaccine?
No pharmacist that has been authorized to administer Covid-19 vaccines may charge you for administering the vaccine.
In addition, your pharmacist may not refuse to administer the vaccine based on your insurance coverage or employment status. This service is provided to all citizens with no out-of-pocket fees, at this point in time.
Will my short-term health insurance cover the cost of my Covid-19 vaccine?
Ministry-based medical-expenses sharing programs like Medi-Share typically don’t cover the costs of elective medical procedures, preventive health, routine check-ups, or vaccines.
But regular short-term health insurance plans generally cover testing for Covid-19. As the vaccine is free, you’ll be able to access it no matter what type of insurance you have.
Conclusion
Are you concerned about having no health insurance coverage to cover costs like your Covid-19 vaccine? At Enhance Health, we help you find the most affordable health insurance that’s right for you.
Contact us today for help choosing the right insurance plan, no matter your financial or employment status. Our friendly and capable consultants are standing by to assist you.
