CVS, Rite Aid start administering COVID-19 vaccines. Where to get one in Central CA

Californians who are 65 and over now have more places to go for their COVID-19 vaccine.

ByABC30.com staff KFSN logo
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Some CVS, Rite Aid pharmacies start administering COVID-19 vaccines
Starting Friday, some CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies began offering COVID-19 vaccine shots. Here's how to make an appointment in Central California:

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Californians who are 65 and over now have more places to go for their COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting Friday, February 12, CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies, including some Valley locations, began offering the shots.

To get a vaccine shot at Rite Aid, you can visit their website to find out if you are eligible. If you qualify, you can look for a store. There are 10 stores in Fresno alone.

To get the shot at a CVS pharmacy, you can register online at cvs.com or call 1-800-746-7287.

The CVS website included locations in Atwater, Fresno, Hanford, Madera, Porterville and Tulare.

RELATED: Central California COVID-19 vaccines: How to make an appointment, latest information by county

CVS and Rite Aid are two of 20-plus pharmacies across the country participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership Program.

Porterville's Ruben Beltran took a short ride to pick up a prescription at the Olive Avenue CVS on Thursday.

Inside, he noticed something a little different.

The store had signs posted for the COVID-19 vaccine.

"They have a booth to sign up for the shots and then they have another little booth where they actually apply the shot, so it's all set up and ready to go," Beltran said.

RELATED: What to know as pharmacies gear up to administer 1 million COVID vaccines

To get the shot, you'll need to be a healthcare worker or over 65.

Beltran, at 68, has already received his first dose of the vaccine, but said he believes this will benefit the region.

"It's good news," he said.

On Thursday, the CVS website was experiencing heavy traffic for those wanting to make an appointment, officials said. The site said it would keep refreshing, telling people, "we'll get you in soon."

Eligible residents can start making appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine shot at some CVS pharmacies in the Central Valley.

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