CVS, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, and Walgreens are among the big U.S. drugstore chains that this week have begun offering third-in-one shots for people who have already received their two COVID-19 vaccines. But only people who have severe or moderate immunosuppression can get the extra vaccines so far, according to the companies.
Pharmacies said they follow the guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which released Friday dit that transplant recipients and other people with a very weakened immune system can get an extra dose of Pfizer or Moderna Vaccines against covid-19. According to this guideline, about 10 million people in the United States could now opt for additional traits, and approximately 3% of Americans are estimated to be immunocompromised.
This means that most people will have to wait to get an extra shot amid an increase in COVID-19 cases related to the Delta variant highly contagious. CVS and Walgreens say they are preparing to administer vaccine boosters to the general public once they are approved by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 4 people who have heard of booster shots are concerned about declining vaccine protection, the Kaiser Family Foundation found in a recent survey.
On Wednesday, the best health and medical experts in the Department of Health and Human Services said reinforcements could be begins the week of September 20th for people who received their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines eight months earlier.
Here’s what you need to know about the extra shots so far.
What is the difference between an additional shot and a booster shot?
Not much, as the doses are the same, according to University of Chicago associate professor Emily Landon.
The only difference is the terminology. A “booster” refers to an additional dose for people whose immune system responded well to the initial vaccines, but who may go through a diminishing effectiveness. Meanwhile, an “additional dose” refers to the third trait administered to immunocompromised individuals and whose immune systems would not have responded optimally to the first two doses, Landon explained.
Who can get an extra shot right now?
Only people with severe to moderate immunocompression.
According to the CDC, this includes people who are currently being treated for cancer; has received an organ transplant or is taking medication to suppress immunity; received a stem cell transplant in the last two years; have severe primary immunodeficiency; have advanced or untreated HIV infections; or you are taking high doses of corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system.
How can I book a third plan?
Many pharmacies say that eligible people can book an appointment online or simply attend the third shot.
A Walgreens spokesman said there are same-day appointments available at some of their locations for eligible people. CVS also offers accessible appointments (which can also be scheduled online). Hy-Vee said people can come in or schedule an appointment, while Jewel-Osco also accepts personalized consultations or scheduled appointments.
What do people need to contribute?
Pharmacies recommend that people bring their COVID-19 vaccination registration card, but you may also want to check if your pharmacy needs additional documents. Hy-Vee, for example, recommends that people bring their insurance or Medicare cards, as well as photo IDs.
Do you need immunocompression tests?
Pharmacies and state health departments say people should be prepared to self-certify that they are immunocompromised, following federal guidelines.
“According to the CDC, individuals will have to self-certify that they are severely to moderately immunocompromised, but they must not prove their condition,” Hy-Vee said in a statement.
What does it cost?
The third doses are free, either covered by insurance plans or through a federal program for the uninsured, depending on the pharmacies.
What about people who are not immunocompromised?
Pharmacy chains say they do not offer booster shots to people who are not immunocompromised, but plan to be ready once federal regulators give the green light, which is expected by mid-late September.
“We will continue to follow FDA and CDC guidelines for administering vaccines to eligible populations and we will feel confident to have the experience in pharmacy, infrastructure and the presence of the local community to accelerate access to these vaccines,” he said. Walgreens in its statement.