WASHINGTON — After months of inadequate COVID-19 vaccine supply within the nation’s capital, CVS said 94% of its D.C. pharmacies now offer walk-in vaccinations, with rival Walgreens booking same-day appointments up to 30 minutes in advance.
In total, CVS now accepts walk-ins at 58 locations within the District, a spokesperson said Wednesday. Customers can guarantee shots at certain times and specific CVS pharmacies by booking an appointment online.
“We continue to orchestrate an all-out effort to vaccinate the nation against COVID-19,” said CVS Health President and CEO Karen S. Lynch in a statement.
“Thanks to the dedication and effort of our colleagues, I am proud to say we helped achieve the President’s accelerated 100-day goal of 200 million vaccines and have administered over 17 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to date.”
The new ease of access marks a concerted White House effort to shift American immunizations from mass vaccination sites to neighborhood pharmacies.
Walgreens began same-day appointments Wednesday, as it continued to strongly recommend booking appointments in advance.
The chain said walk-ins have been, and will continue to be welcomed at its locations nation-wide, if time slots are available.
“Starting today individuals seeking a vaccination will be able to schedule same day appointments online, through our mobile app, over the phone, or in store,” a Walgreens corporate spokesperson said.
“Patients can schedule appointments up to 30 minutes prior to the desired appointment time.”
A CVS spokesperson added the easiest way to find a vaccine at its locations is through the company’s website. Figures provided by the company show the chain has 205 walk-up locations in Maryland, 342 in Virginia, and 55 in West Virginia.
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