CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The new COVID-19 vaccine is now available in some pharmacies in North Carolina. 

What You Need To Know

  • The new COVID-19 vaccine is available in several pharmacies in North Carolina

  • Some CVS stores ran out of the vaccine as soon as they received the initial shipment, but the vaccines are expected to be replenished as demand grows
  • NCDHHS expects insurance to cover the vaccine and for a supply of free vaccines to be available for uninsured people

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the shot for everyone 6 months or older. 

National retailers, including CVS and Walgreens, are some of the first pharmacies to have the vaccine available. 

In the Charlotte area, stores started receiving the new vaccine the second week of September. 

CVS District Leader for District 3 Sepideh Manafi oversees 23 stores in the Charlotte area. During this time of the year, the focus is on immunizations. 

Manafi, who is a pharmacist, said it doesn’t matter the vaccine brand you choose as long as you receive the updated vaccine. The CDC is recommending it for everyone, even if you have received the shot before.

“The strains of the virus change throughout the season. This is the one recommended by CDC, so it will give you maximum protection,” Manafi said. “The strains of the virus change throughout the season. This is the one recommended by CDC, so it will give you maximum protection,” Manafi said. 

CVS is welcoming people by appointments or as walk-ins.

Manafi said people started rolling up their sleeves as soon as the vaccines became available. 

“Some stores are running out, but this is the initial shipment, and I’m sure the manufacturers will catch up with the demand,” Manafi said. 

She anticipated the demand to grow in days to come. 

“I think so, especially as we are seeing a spike in COVID cases. I’m sure we’ll see that number grow,” Manafi said. 

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, insurance will cover the vaccine. The department expects a supply of free vaccines to be provided for uninsured people.