2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and flu shots available at CVS Health pharmacies

As summer vacations wrap up and new school years start, it’s time to start thinking ahead to cold and flu season. To ensure communities are protected this season, the CDC is recommending that everyone over age six months get an annual flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine. The ideal time to get vaccinated is in September or October, to restore and enhance protection against the most common viruses currently circulating before peak season starts, said CVS in a press release.

Per an Aug. 28 announcement on the CVS website, this season’s shots are now available nationwide at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations, including at pharmacies in Virginia.

Pharmacies are one of the most common places people choose to get vaccinated. A recent CVS Health survey found that about half (48%) of respondents plan to get the flu vaccine at a retail pharmacy and 60% would like to get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit, said CVS in the release.

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Other takeaways, include:

• 46% of people plan to get a flu shot to protect their health/their family’s health
• 79% of seniors say they are likely to get vaccinated for flu, the most likely group among polled demographics, but 60% of adults in younger age groups expect to get a flu shot
• 73% of people plan to receive their flu shot before November
• 69% of parents are planning on getting their children vaccinated for flu, with 30% planning to do so at a retail pharmacy
• 86% of patients said convenient hours that work with their schedule was an important factor when choosing a retail pharmacy for their flu shot
• 65% of those planning to get a flu shot plan to schedule their appointment online

While patients can walk-in to any CVS Pharmacy and request a vaccination, they can also schedule an appointment in advance at CVS.com or by using the CVS Pharmacy app. The online vaccine scheduler features a simplified scheduling experience that makes it easier for families to book vaccination appointments at the CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic location that is most convenient for them. It offers the flexibility to schedule multiple patients (for up to four people) at once, allowing families, caregivers, and others to get their vaccines together. Patients can also schedule multiple vaccinations in one appointment, such as flu, COVID-19, MMR and more.

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and flu shots available at CVS Health pharmacies