Logan Reed
The availability of free COVID-19 vaccines has evolved since the pandemic's early days. In the US, the CDC Bridge Access Program, which previously covered the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine for uninsured and underinsured people, was terminated in August 2024. While health insurance companies were previously required to pay for approved vaccines, health policy changes mean some plans may no longer cover the full cost. The cost burden may shift to individuals, with out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $150. This complexity is further compounded by varying state laws governing pharmacists' ability to administer vaccines and conflicting recommendations from medical groups, creating confusion for patients, doctors, and pharmacists alike.
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What You'll Learn
Cost of the COVID-19 vaccine at CVS
The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine at CVS depends on several factors, including the patient's insurance plan and the state they live in. According to the CVS website, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at no cost with most insurance plans. However, if a patient's insurance does not cover the COVID-19 vaccine at CVS, they can still choose to receive the vaccine there, but they will be charged $224.99.
Medicare Part B covers preventative care vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal pneumonia at no cost. Similarly, Medicare Part D covers preventative care vaccines for shingles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or whooping cough) at no cost.
It is important to note that the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine at CVS may vary by state due to different regulations and guidelines. As of August 2025, there are 16 states and the District of Columbia with limits on COVID-19 vaccination availability, and in three states, the shots are unavailable to patients.
The updated 2025/2026 COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for individuals aged 6 months and older, with specific vaccines recommended for different age groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness.
CVS continues to offer eligible patients COVID-19 vaccines and follows the federal guidelines and recommendations provided by health authorities.
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Cost of the COVID-19 vaccine at Walgreens
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at Walgreens, and it is free of cost. However, there is some ambiguity regarding the cost of the vaccine. According to some sources, the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine at Walgreens may vary depending on certain factors. Firstly, the cost may depend on whether an individual has insurance coverage. Without insurance, a COVID-19 vaccine shot can cost up to $140, according to the CDC's vaccine price list. The specific insurance provider and their policies may also play a role, as each insurance company will decide whether to cover the vaccine based on CDC guidance.
Secondly, the cost of the vaccine at Walgreens may depend on the state and the regulatory environment. In certain states, such as Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, and New York, Walgreens requires individuals to present a prescription from a doctor or healthcare provider to receive the vaccine. This requirement may result in out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine, as insurance companies are not legally mandated to cover the cost without an official recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
It is important to note that the information regarding the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine at Walgreens may be subject to change and may not be exhaustive. The pricing and requirements may vary based on an individual's location and specific circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to check with Walgreens directly or refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the cost and requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine at their specific location.
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State laws regarding vaccine administration
In the United States, state laws regarding vaccine administration vary, and the landscape of laws governing pharmacy technician vaccine administration is complex. Here is a review of state laws and regulations pertaining to this topic:
Pharmacy Technicians and Vaccine Administration:
- Idaho, Rhode Island, and Utah: These states have implemented changes that allow pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under the supervision of a pharmacist. This evolution in technician roles has enhanced their involvement in pharmacy teams.
- South Carolina: State law prohibits pharmacy technicians from administering immunizations. The law specifically mentions that pharmacists cannot delegate vaccine administration to technicians.
- Other States: A study by Stewart and colleagues in 2015 examined state laws for non-physician health professionals, including medical assistants, to administer vaccines. It found that medical assistants had delegated authority to administer vaccines in 14 states, their own authority in 1 state, and unclear or "silent" laws in 36 states and Washington D.C.
Pharmacists and Vaccine Administration:
- All 50 States and Washington D.C.: Pharmacists are legally authorized to administer vaccines across the country. This authorization includes COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic.
- New Jersey and New York: These states are working on law changes to allow student pharmacists (interns) to administer vaccines, bringing them in line with other states.
Workplace Vaccine Mandates:
- Federal Law: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated that employers can legally require COVID-19 vaccination for employees returning to the worksite. However, there must be no disability or religious exemptions, and state-level restrictions may apply.
- State Laws: Some states may have laws that further restrict the ability of employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees. Employees with disability-related objections or sincere religious objections may have legal recourse if they are punished for refusing vaccination.
The interplay between federal and state laws regarding vaccine administration is complex, and it is essential to stay informed about the specific regulations in your state.
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The FDA's approval of new COVID-19 vaccines
On 27 August 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines with new restrictions. The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are approved for all seniors but limited to younger adults and children with at least one high-risk health condition. This marks a shift from the previous policy recommending annual COVID-19 shots for all Americans aged 6 months and older. The updated vaccines target newer versions of the continuously evolving virus, including the LP.8.1 variant.
The FDA's approval underscores Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s goals to limit access to vaccines, which he has long opposed. Kennedy, an outspoken critic of wide-scale vaccinations, stated that the approvals accomplished the goal of keeping vaccines available to those who want them. He also emphasised the requirement for companies to conduct placebo-controlled trials, including a study of "post-Covid-19 vaccination syndrome," a term that has been debated by experts.
The approval of the updated COVID-19 vaccines has sparked concerns about access and confusion among patients, doctors, and pharmacists. Millions of Americans now face barriers to vaccination as they have to prove their risk, and many who previously qualified may no longer be eligible. The timing of vaccine availability is also uncertain, depending on decisions by federal health advisers, health insurers, pharmacies, and state authorities.
The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine is another factor to consider. While health insurance companies previously covered the full cost, recent health policy changes mean that some insurance plans may no longer do so. Patients may need to make co-payments or pay out of pocket, typically $150 or more, if their insurance does not cover the vaccine. However, some employers may continue to cover vaccine costs to ensure their employees' health.
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The CDC's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines
The CDC's current recommendation is that children aged 6 months or older may receive the COVID-19 vaccine if their parent requests it and a healthcare provider recommends it. This differs from the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) guidance, which strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for all children aged 6 to 23 months. The CDC's language has been interpreted to mean that healthcare providers may not offer the vaccine unless parents specifically ask for it.
For adults, the CDC has recommended since 2021 that all adults receive the most updated COVID-19 vaccine annually to protect against seasonal waves of cases. However, in 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed goals to limit access to the vaccines, and the CDC dropped its guideline calling for routine vaccination of all healthy children and pregnant women. The CDC now recommends that only people at high risk for COVID-19 complications, specifically those aged 65 and older or with underlying medical conditions, receive the updated COVID-19 shots.
The CDC's recommendations carry a lot of weight and can influence access to vaccines at pharmacies and insurance coverage. Some states require pharmacists to follow CDC guidelines, and insurance coverage is often tied to CDC recommendations. The CDC's advisory committee's decision on who should get the updated COVID-19 vaccines is expected soon and will likely have a significant impact on vaccine access and uptake.
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Frequently asked questions
The COVID-19 vaccine is free at Walgreens and CVS if you have insurance. If you don't have insurance, CVS charges $224.99 for the vaccine.
If you're over 65, Medicare will cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you're under 65, you may have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine depending on your insurance provider. Some insurers may require you to pay out of pocket if the latest vaccines aren't covered by your insurance.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for children at Walgreens. CVS also offers the vaccine for free for children with insurance.
The CDC recommends that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it's unclear whether insurance providers will cover the cost of the vaccine for pregnant individuals.
