Updated 2026-2027 flu vaccines are now available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide, the pharmacy chain announced August 27, allowing people to begin scheduling flu shots ahead of the coming respiratory illness season.
CVS Health said patients can schedule vaccination appointments online at CVS.com, MinuteClinic.com, or through the CVS Health app, with walk-in appointments also available at both CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations. Vaccination appointments are available seven days a week, and the online scheduler allows patients to book appointments for up to four people at once and receive multiple CDC-recommended vaccinations during a single visit.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, with September and October generally being ideal times for vaccination ahead of peak flu activity. The updated 2026-2027 vaccine is designed to protect against flu strains that experts anticipate will be most common this season.
According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health, 63% of Americans say they are likely to receive a flu vaccine this season. Among those planning to get vaccinated, 68% plan to get their flu vaccine by the end of October. The survey also found that 43% of consumers plan to get a flu shot at a retail pharmacy, while 34% plan to get it at a doctor’s office.
In addition to flu vaccination, CVS Pharmacy is expanding testing and treatment services. Participating CVS Pharmacy locations offer testing options, including a combination test that can detect Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 with a single swab. In 13 states—California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—pharmacists are authorized to test and treat eligible patients for flu and COVID-19, allowing patients to receive an assessment and treatment recommendations during the same visit.
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer more than 15 commonly recommended vaccinations throughout the year. Most preventive vaccines are available at no cost through many insurance plans, including Medicare Part B coverage for eligible vaccines. Patients who receive a CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS Pharmacy also receive a $5 discount on in-store purchases.
Amy Compton-Phillips, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at CVS Health, stated that “Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective steps people can take to help protect themselves and those around them during flu season.” The company emphasized that with health care professionals serving communities across the country, CVS Health remains committed to helping patients stay protected throughout the season.
Sources
- CVS Health — official announcement of updated 2026-2027 flu vaccine availability at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic nationwide, CDC vaccination recommendations, survey data on consumer flu vaccination intent, vaccination appointment options, and expanded testing and treatment services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — annual flu vaccination recommendations for ages 6 months and older, ideal vaccination timing in September and October, and effectiveness of flu vaccination
