New Covid booster shots will be available at San Francisco pharmacies starting next week.
The news comes days after the Federal Drug Administration approved the latest boosters, made by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
"Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of Covid-19, including hospitalization and death," FDA director Dr. Peter Marks said. "The public can be assured that these updated vaccines have met the agency's rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality."
It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get an updated Covid vaccine to protect themselves this fall and winter, the CDC announced on Tuesday.
Where To Get Boosted in San Francisco
Booster appointments in San Francisco are filling up fast, with few slots showing available until next week or longer at CVS and Walgreens across the city.
Doses of the new booster were released Tuesday to CVS, but there are no appointments at the pharmacy inside the Target at 789 Mission St. until Sept. 20.
Walgreens announced on its website that booster appointments won't begin until Monday, Sept. 18.
"Our pharmacists will be able to administer the updated vaccine to eligible individuals ages three years and older," a Walgreens spokesperson told The Standard in an email. "Covid-19 vaccines will continue to be available at no cost to the public. The cost will either be covered by insurance or government assistance programs, such as the CDC’s Bridge Access Program."
For Kaiser members, the new booster may not be available until the first week of October, according to the healthcare provider.
San Francisco's Department of Public Health has suspended operations at its Covid-19 vaccination sites as of Tuesday and will reopen them when the booster becomes available locally, officials announced online.