In Massachusetts at least, the state, in addition to hospitals and clinics, has contracted Walgreens and CVS to help administer the vaccine. According to our published plan, it will be completely free to all, with no co-payments.

More specifically, “While vaccines may be available in pharmacies, health centers or special vaccination clinics as soon as this spring, it will take several months, depending on the supply, to vaccinate all Massachusetts residents who are willing to get the shots.”

It seems as though appointments will be needed, but similar to the testing we’ve been doing, it’ll be easy enough to make one online and go.

CVS has contacted me by way of their App. Yes the vaccine will be available from CVS and it will be like Flu shots, no Doctor’s referral.

Might be worth asking this on Caravan’s thread.

@janbb I thought about that, but I don’t see how he would be more privy that kind of knowledge, as it does not involve the medical aspect.

@cookieman and @Tropical_Willie have the kind of info I am looking for.

Doubtful. There will have to be vaccine available and not in the process of spoiling for one to get a shot. But it’s early in the process so it’s hard to say specifically.

A friend who has some health issues (in addition to being a senior) has told me that he is already on Walgreens waiting list and will be among the first to be notified when it becomes available, no referral needed. My next doc appointment is in January. I’ll get it then, if available, otherwise I’ll go to my local Walgreens when it’s available.

I just received this from my health insurance company:

You will not have to pay cost sharing for these EUA COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccine supplies will be limited at first. Each state is developing its own plans for distribution, with certain high-risk groups taking priority.

These vaccines protect against COVID-19 symptoms but may not stop the spread of infection. That’s why it’s crucial to continue to wear masks, wash your hands frequently and practice physical distancing.

@crazyguy please read the details.

My guess (just a guess) is that if they made the vaccine available for walk-ins, they’d have lines wrapped around the block and people mad and going nuts. Look, just to get a Covid test, people are on line for four hours or more in parts of CT. My guess (just a guess) is that they’d have to have some kind of appointment system in place.

My guess (just a guess) is that in the future, there will be an evolved vaccine that changes as the virus changes, as the flu changes. The COVID vaccine of the future will not need such particular refrigeration, they’ll come up with something simpler. The one now that needs this fancy refrigeration and monitoring is what they came up with as a start. Because this vaccine is out now with the requirements it has (refrigeration), doesn’t mean that research and development stops. They’ll still be researching and developing something more efficient. For obvious reasons, a vaccine that needs -90F refrigeration is not practical for the long term.

@canidmajor You are absolutely correct. I went back and reread your question – slowly. I then realized I did not answer your question.

I started searching for the answer. The best I can do is refer you to this:
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/12/what-we-know-about-u-s-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-plan.html

I read through it and can see no reason why the vaccine would not be available for walk-ins. But I expect it will not be free by then.

Covid is here to stay.
Once everyone who wants to be vaccinated is vaccinated and an annual supply of vaccines is available…. it will be just like the flu shot. You’ll go to a pharmacy and get the vaccine, no doctor note needed, and insurance will pay for 100% of it. Insurance companies will want you to get vaccinated. It saves them money in the long run.
And within a year or two, the vaccine will be altered every year to account for mutations of the virus.
We’re going to be dealing with this the rest of our lives.

@Kraigmo You say: “Insurance companies will want you to get vaccinated. It saves them money in the long run.” That statement is absolutely correct. But that has never stopped insurance companies from charging for other similar vaccines or tests. And, last time I checked, insurance company management is not stupid. They have realized that patients are worried enough about a future problem that they are willing to pay for its prevention.