CVS, Walgreens and Giant Eagle pharmacies in Ohio are all carrying the most updated version of the COVID vaccine, according to spokespeople for their companies.
The news follows a tumultuous year for the vaccine at the federal level. Trump administration officials, such as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., have openly shared their skepticism for the vaccine, breaking from leading medical organizations that continue to say it’s both safe and effective. The Food and Drug Administration placed new limits on who can receive the shots this year.
Now, eligible Ohio residents can go get a vaccine, if they want one. Here’s where, who and how.
Where can I get an updated COVID vaccine?
CVS, Walgreens and Giant Eagle pharmacies all confirmed that they are offering the most updated version of the COVID vaccine in Ohio pharmacies.
Other providers may also be offering the vaccine. Signal Cleveland will update this list with additional names if we receive additional information.
Who can get the COVID vaccine?
The FDA approved the 2025/2026 COVID-19 vaccine for use in individuals who are:
- 65 years or older, or
- 6 months to 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19 disease.
For children under 12, the brand of vaccine they can get may be restricted.
What are underlying conditions that could make me eligible for a COVID vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control keeps a list of medical conditions that can increase COVID-19 risk factors, including everything from mental health conditions to pregnancy to cancer.
At CVS, patients are asked to “attest to their eligibility” for the vaccine during the appointment scheduling process or when completing a health screening form, a spokesperson wrote in an email to Signal Cleveland.
Is a prescription required to get the vaccine?
CVS, Walgreens and Giant Eagle pharmacies all said a prescription is not needed to receive the vaccine in Ohio.
Will my insurance cover the vaccine?
It’s best to check with your insurer to determine whether the vaccine is covered by your health plan.
“Our understanding is that the COVID-19 vaccine is covered by most insurance plans at no cost for eligible patients,” a spokesperson for CVS wrote in an email. “Patients should check with their insurer to determine whether the updated COVID-19 vaccine is covered by their individual health plan.”
Are public health agencies offering the COVID vaccine?
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health is not offering the updated COVID vaccine as of early September, said spokesperson Kevin Brennan. While pharmacies are relying on the FDA’s approval of the vaccines, Brennan said the agency is waiting to hear the CDC’s official recommendations on who should receive the vaccine. A national committee determining these recommendations is scheduled to meet on Sept. 18 and 19.
“We are waiting to place orders for vaccine stock because we don’t know what the recommendations will be,” Brennan said.
The agency also has not received the most updated vaccine from the Ohio Department of Health, which it typically makes available to uninsured or underinsured people, Brennan said.
The Cleveland Department of Public Health stopped offering COVID vaccines several years ago.