(KRON) – Some persons are having a tough time getting an appointment for the COVID booster shot. Pharmacies like CVS are reporting a provide downside.
In the course of the peak of the pandemic, officers begged individuals to get the COVID vaccine, and now persons are struggling to get the most recent booster. KRON4 spoke with a UCSF physician who says it’s as a result of there’s a shift in who’s chargeable for supplying and paying for individuals to get the vaccine.
When KRON4 appeared up booster appointments on the CVS web site for a San Francisco pharmacy, we have been directed to a location in Colma, in San Mateo County. It mentioned no time slots have been out there.
A CVS spokesperson advised KRON4 that its pharmacies are receiving the vaccine on a rolling foundation, however they’re experiencing provider supply delays. Walgreens didn’t reply in time for this report.
UCSF’s Dr. Peter Chin-Hong explains why it hasn’t been as simple to get the shot at your native pharmacy.
“There’s a shift in vaccine distribution from the federal government sector to the non-public sector, and since we have now a patchwork of healthcare supply on this nation, that’s what persons are encountering,” he mentioned.
Dr. Chin-Hong says he’s assured the boosters will change into extra accessible within the coming weeks, however he worries any hurdle might deter individuals from getting the vaccine earlier than circumstances surge this vacation season. He advises everybody to not hand over.
“I believe any barrier can be a disincentive to get such an necessary intervention,” he mentioned. “If you happen to’re advised one factor this week, please strive once more subsequent week as a result of this can be a quickly evolving scenario. Identical to we have now seen earlier than even when the federal government was paying for all the pieces for the opposite vaccines. It’s all the time bumpy at first.”
Well being consultants recommend individuals get each the booster and the flu shot on the identical time and to take action earlier than Halloween.
“It offers you one of the best artillery through the winter surge as a result of once more it’s strongest proper after you get it,” he mentioned. “For individuals who are older or immunocompromised, I might advise them to get it as quickly as they will, however to not panic. There’s the get-out-of-jail-free card with Paxlovid. Even if you happen to get contaminated it’ll assist hold you out of the hospital.”
Everybody ought to have entry to the vaccine at no cost, even when they don’t have insurance coverage. You can even search for appointments HERE.
