How to Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment at Walgreens

Book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment online or by phone at Walgreens

You can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at Walgreens through their website, their mobile app, or by calling your local store directly. The online route is fastest: go to walgreens.com/schedulevaccine, enter your zip code, pick a location and time slot, and complete your information in one session. If you prefer to call, use the store locator on walgreens.com to find your nearest pharmacy, then dial that location's number and ask for the pharmacy department.

Walgreens stocks different COVID-19 vaccines depending on what's available that week — typically the Moderna, Pfizer, or Novavax vaccines for adults, and age-specific formulations for children. When you book online, the system shows you which vaccine is available at each location and time. You don't choose the vaccine yourself; Walgreens assigns it based on your age and what they have in stock that day.

Walk-in appointments are also available at most Walgreens pharmacies, though wait times vary. If you want to may provide a time slot, booking ahead online or by phone is more reliable than showing up without an appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule online at walgreens.com/schedulevaccine or call your local Walgreens pharmacy directly to book a specific time.
• Bring your insurance card and photo ID, or let Walgreens know if you're uninsured — the vaccine is free regardless of coverage.
• The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes total, including a brief health screening and the injection.
• You'll receive a vaccination record card at the appointment that shows which vaccine you received and the date.
• Walk-in appointments are available but may have longer waits than pre-booked slots.

What to bring and how long it takes

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. If you don't have insurance, bring a photo ID only; Walgreens administers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to you. You'll also want to bring any vaccination records you have from previous doses, though Walgreens can look up your history in their system if you've been vaccinated there before.

Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the pharmacy. This includes checking in, answering a brief health screening questionnaire, receiving the injection, and waiting 15 minutes afterward to make sure you don't have an immediate reaction. The actual shot takes seconds, but the screening and observation time make up most of the appointment.

Wear a short-sleeved shirt or something you can roll up easily so the pharmacist can access your upper arm without you having to undress. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment — there's no fasting requirement for COVID-19 vaccines.

Health screening questions you'll answer

Before you get the vaccine, a Walgreens pharmacist will ask you a series of standard health questions. These cover allergies (especially to vaccine ingredients), whether you've had a severe reaction to any vaccine before, if you're currently sick with a fever, whether you've received another vaccine in the last two weeks, and if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Be honest about all of these — the pharmacist uses your answers to decide whether the vaccine is safe for you right now.

If you have a severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine you're scheduled to receive, the pharmacist may recommend a different formulation or reschedule you. If you have a fever or are actively sick, Walgreens typically asks you to reschedule for when you're feeling better. If you've had a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, tell the pharmacist before the injection — they may want to observe you for a longer period or recommend you get the shot at a location with additional medical support nearby.

After your appointment: what to expect

You'll receive a paper vaccination record card showing the vaccine name, the date, the lot number, and which arm you received it in. Keep this card — you may need it for travel, work, or medical records. Walgreens also uploads your vaccination record to your pharmacy profile, so you can view it online or request an official record from the pharmacy if you need one for a healthcare provider.

Common side effects appear within a few hours to a few days and are usually mild: arm soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, or low-grade fever. These are normal and mean your immune system is responding. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Drink plenty of water and rest if you feel tired.

Serious side effects are rare. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe swelling of the face or throat, or severe allergic reaction symptoms within hours of your appointment, go to an emergency room or call 911. You can also report any side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at vaers.hhs.gov, though Walgreens can help you file a report as well.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment time, log into your Walgreens account on their website or app and select "Manage Appointments." You can cancel and rebook in the same session. If you booked by phone, call the pharmacy directly and ask to reschedule. Most Walgreens locations can move you to a different time slot the same day or within a few days, depending on availability.

If you're sick or have a fever on the day of your appointment, cancel and reschedule for at least a week later. Walgreens asks that you not come in if you're actively ill, both for your own recovery and to protect other customers and staff.

Finding a Walgreens location near you

Use the store locator at walgreens.com to search by zip code or address. The locator shows you which nearby pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines and their hours. Not every Walgreens location administers vaccines — some smaller stores or those in rural areas may not have a pharmacy or may have limited vaccine stock. The locator tells you which stores have appointments available in the next week, so you can see your options before you call or book online.

If your nearest Walgreens doesn't have the vaccine in stock or doesn't offer vaccines, the locator will show you the next closest location that does. You can also call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733) to ask about vaccine availability in your area, though the online locator is usually faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome at most Walgreens pharmacies, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the pharmacy is. Booking online or by phone guarantees you a specific time slot and is faster overall.

What if I don't have insurance?

COVID-19 vaccines are free at Walgreens whether you have insurance or not. Bring a photo ID only. You don't need to provide insurance information, and you won't be charged.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same appointment?

Yes. You can receive both vaccines at the same visit — one in each arm. When you book online, you can select both vaccines for the same appointment time. Tell the pharmacist you want both if you're scheduling by phone.

How do I know which COVID-19 vaccine I'll get?

Walgreens shows you which vaccine is available at each location when you book online. The vaccine depends on your age, what Walgreens has in stock that week, and any specific recommendations from your doctor. You don't choose it yourself, but you can see what's available before you confirm your appointment.

What if I had a bad reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine?

Tell the pharmacist about your previous reaction before your appointment or during the health screening. Depending on what happened, they may recommend a different vaccine formulation, a longer observation period, or suggest you consult your doctor first. Don't skip mentioning this — it helps the pharmacist keep you safe.