COVID-19 Resource Center

Follow these steps to get vaccinated at your local pharmacy:

Before you visit the pharmacy…

• Check with your plan sponsor about vaccine coverage and copayment information, if applicable. Please note, for the COVID-19 vaccines, the cost of the vaccine may be covered at no cost (when using a participating retail pharmacy). Check with your plan sponsor about additional coverage information.
• Make sure the pharmacy you use is part of your Express Scripts participating pharmacy network. If you’re not sure, log in to express-scripts.com and click Find a Pharmacy from the menu under Prescriptions to find out. You can also use the Express Scripts® mobile app on your digital device to locate a participating pharmacy. Please note, for the COVID-19 vaccines, most pharmacies should be able to administer the vaccine, once widely available. Call your pharmacy before visiting, to ensure the pharmacy is able to administer the COVID-19 vaccines, the pharmacy has vaccines available for administration, and to schedule an appointment if one is required by the pharmacy.
• Call the pharmacy to verify their current vaccination schedule, vaccine availability, and any age restrictions. Please note, every state has specific regulations regarding age restrictions, which vaccines can be administered by a certified pharmacist, and if a prescription is required. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccine availability may vary due to supply and storage constraints, staffing, and/or other factors.

When you get to the pharmacy…

• Be sure to present your prescription member ID card at the time of service.
• Be sure to get your vaccine from the pharmacist at the pharmacy, not from the pharmacy’s on-site clinic.

Some of the most common vaccinations like flu vaccines are covered through your prescription plan. Check with your plan sponsor about specific coverage and copayment information.

If flu vaccines are covered, you and all other members covered by your plan can go to a local participating pharmacy to get the flu shot. Please note, every state has specific regulations regarding age restrictions, which vaccines can be administered by a certified pharmacist, and if a prescription is required.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in the 2018-19 flu season, only about 45% of adults received their flu shot. This year, more than ever, we encourage as many Americans as possible to get the flu vaccine – even those who haven’t been vaccinated in the past – to help in the fight against COVID-19. It’s especially important for pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions to get the flu vaccine not just this year, but every year.

All members covered by your prescription plan are eligible to receive plan-covered vaccines at a participating pharmacy. Please note, every state has specific regulations regarding age restrictions, which vaccines can be administered by a certified pharmacist, and if a prescription is required. Check with your local network pharmacy for further clarification.

On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued the first emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine. It is anticipated that the initial vaccine supply will be limited, and therefore allocated to health care personnel and Long-Term Care (LTC) residents and staff. However, the vaccine supply will increase over time and all adults should be able to be vaccinated in 2021.

There are three main platforms that vaccine manufacturers are using to develop COVID-19 vaccines. A central theme is that all vaccine candidates are focusing on developing immunity to the “S protein,” a component of the COVID-19 virus that is critical to allow itself to attach to receptors within our body and infect our cells. By developing vaccines that promote an immune response in our body against this specific protein, the available clinical trial data has shown encouraging results in preventing significant disease and/or transmission. Another difference between the candidates is differing storage requirements which could vary from simple refrigeration to deep freezing.

Initially, hospitals will provide COVID-19 vaccine to health care personnel. As more vaccine is distributed by the federal government, several thousand vaccination providers will be available, including but not limited to doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

At this time, the answer is unclear. Viruses tend to mutate over time, plus we do not yet completely understand how long vaccinations may provide protection from COVID-19 infection. This is a matter that will continue to be studied by the medical and scientific community.