Still need your covid and flu shots? CVS is welcoming walk-ins without prescriptions

The Van Ness CVS in 2021

by Marlene Berlin

Before this week, we needed prescriptions to receive covid vaccines at pharmacies in the District (except at CVS MinuteClinics, such as the one in Tenleytown.) But that restriction went out the window on Monday, after Mayor Bowser signed the DC Council’s emergency legislation permitting residents without a prescription to get the vaccine. That’s the law now, for 90 days.

Now, you can show up – without an appointment – at any CVS pharmacy to be vaccinated against covid. And if you are particular about the type of vaccine – Moderna or Pfizer – I’ve even done the legwork. At the CVS pharmacies in Van Ness and Forest Hills (4309 and 5019 Connecticut Avenue) they are giving out Pfizer shots. In Tenleytown (4555 Wisconsin Avenue) and Cleveland Park (3327 Connecticut), they have the Moderna vaccine.

Again, walk-ins are welcome at all. When I visited the four CVS locations, all were stocked and vaccinating walk-in customers. The Tenleytown CVS was the busiest location of the four. I visited on two separate mornings.

Moreover, insurance should cover the cost. AHIP, the health insurance industry trade group, said health plans would continue to cover the updated covid and flu vaccines through 2026.

That’s your reminder to get your flu shot as well, plus any other vaccines you may need. If you use CVS for your vaccines, they keep a record.

I also checked with AllCare (in Van Ness, 4340 Connecticut). They provide immunizations but it was not clear from their website whether covid vaccines are included. So I called a central number and was told they are not.