WARNING: Are you planning to get a COVIID booster soon?

Your pharmacist is full of shit, OP.

I got my booster last week - the updated serum is out now - and I didn't require a prescription. It didn't cost me one thin dime. And I'm in my mid-30s, with no chronic health conditions.

I booked through Walgreens' website, clicked "yes" to the question "Do you have one or more of this lengthy list of chronic health conditions," and got my jab straight away. The pharmie didn't ask any questions or give me any ominous warnings.

Also, it's unlikely your pharmacist would know this degree of detail about which insurance plans will cover Paxlovid this winter, and the specific costs they will and won't cover.

Also, insurance companies have already set their coverage rates for this year's vaccine/flu/COVID season. It's against policy and the law for them to magically change their rules overnight. They might change them for next year, but they're already set for this year.

Your pharmacist is full of crap, and she scared you for no reason.

You can get the shot at commercial pharmacies. It costs nothing. For this year, anyway.

Different states, different rules. Calif & my HMO require nothing except that the patient show up, starting yesterday. But that's not the case everywhere.

That was last week. Things may have changed by this week. As the pharmacist said, the regulations are literally changing daily.

Got it 2 weekends ago at Walgreens. Free and easy,

R3 Check the Walgreens website. They're still giving the jab, free and easy, with no prescription needed.

FDA regulations do not, in fact, change daily. But even if they did, insurance policies do not change daily. Their cost accounting and regulatory compliance would not allow that degree of constant flexibility.

Okay, I did some googling and found this, at least for my state

In Georgia, a doctor's prescription is currently required for most people to receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine at major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. This is a new policy change due to federal regulatory uncertainty and applies "at least for now," according to the Georgia Pharmacy Association. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) does not require a prescription for vaccines administered through its facilities. However, the DPH was awaiting firm guidance from a federal committee before widespread distribution of the new vaccine formula began.

Why a prescription is needed at pharmacies

The new requirement at many pharmacies is a direct result of recent actions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): With a prescription: A doctor can write a prescription for the vaccine for anyone, including for "off-label" use for people not in the specific FDA-approved groups. With a prescription, you can go to a pharmacy to get the shot. Without a prescription: You can get the vaccine from a Georgia Department of Public Health facility without needing an individual prescription. However, vaccine supply and administration will depend on when DPH facilities receive and distribute the new doses. At a MinuteClinic: CVS MinuteClinic locations in Georgia can administer the vaccine to individuals who meet the FDA eligibility criteria (65+ or 6 months+ with a qualifying health condition).

-----------------------

This is what I found regarding the insurance coverage for Paxlovid now.

As of September 16, 2025, the coverage of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) by insurance varies depending on the specific plan and the patient's circumstances.

Medicare: Some Medicare plans may cover Paxlovid, but coverage is not universal.

Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of Paxlovid also varies by state and plan. Commercial insurance: Many commercial health insurance plans cover Paxlovid, but there may be copays or deductibles. Patient assistance programs: Pfizer, the manufacturer of Paxlovid, offers a patient assistance program that may provide financial assistance to eligible patients who do not have insurance coverage.

It is recommended to contact your health insurance provider or pharmacy directly to inquire about Paxlovid coverage and any associated costs.

YES!! This Friday...my pharmacist called me yesterday told me to get my faggot ass in to get my new flu& Covid shots.

I hope you know who succumbs to it.......

My pharmacist: This will cost you THOUSANDS and you need DR. note right now! Also, that wart on your dick needs to be looked at right now!

You are arguing about TWO DIFFERENT THINGS -one is the Covid VACCINE; the other, (PAXLOVID) , is the MEDICATION which is used to treat mild cases of Covid at home. TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS.

I had mine yesterday. It was free.

The state of the treatment cost is totally screwed up at the moment. I have a relative who has worked in two hospitals respiratory wards throughout this mess, she managed to avoid covid until a few months ago, her insurance wouldn't cover the paxlovid or was a 500.00 deductible, some kind of bs, but the pharmacist was able to use a code to get it covered for her. I was shocked as she a respiratory therapist and shouldn't have any problems getting treatment. This happened in CT.

I got my Covid vax today, even more painless than usual. Seriously if I hadn’t been watching I would think he hadn’t done it yet. It was like a finger lightly touched my arm. Lots of slots open at the pharmacy, I got in right away. Nurse said it was because CDC just okayed it on Saturday? Read that RFK jr wants to restrict it more so that motivated me.

I got mine two weeks ago. Made an appointment on the CVS website. It asked about any medical conditions (as it does for every vaccine), but made the appointment with no problem. Got the Covid shot and the flu shot at the same time. Both free, and no questions asked. I am in California and have an HMO.

Checking online, there is NO federal requirement for a prescription for the Covid jab. It is currently up to individual pharmacies to decide, pending more clarification from the CDC. If your pharmacist is asking for one, go someplace else!

I had Covid last week. I don't need the booster anymore, do I? May get the annual flu shot though.

Your natural post-infection immunity from Covid lasts about 3-4 months. If I were you, I'd get the jab as a Christmas present to yourself. :)

I got mine. They aren’t supposed to be requiring a prescription in New York per Hochul’s order, but Duane Reade tried to kick up a fuss. Not the pharmacist, their system. I told the woman I’d prescribe it to myself and anyone else who was waiting if she was going to do that, but they ended up giving it to me, no charge.

Hit like a freight train, so I know it worked.

Got mine easily at a CVS in Ohio last Friday in case anything changes, as we’re traveling internationally in a few months. Will wait until Oct. for flu shot so its effectiveness lasts the flu season.

I went to CVS this morning to get my flu and Covid vaccine, but only got the flu shot because insurance would not cover the Covid shot and it was $225 retail. Called the insurance company and learned that they will indeed cover the vaccine, but not until after September 29. Go figure.

No. I got the 2nd shot (or booster) and nothing after that.

I will get a flu vaccine, tho. I had a bad flu about 20 years ago, and it was 10x worse than COVID.

Got mine today at a CVS in Pennsylvania.

No questions asked and no insurance card needed.

Yes I am. My state was one that required a prescription even if you were over 65 or sick but last week they reversed that.

Got mine two weeks ago in suburban Philly at my local CVS. Governor told RFK to suck wind, and that PA would follow real medical guidance. Vaccines for everyone.

You better believe I am getting my Covid and flu shot at the end of next week, OP.

Why do you people put up with this nonsense?

With what? Stupid posts?

No, R26, with unelected unqualified political hacks trading on their surname making policy decisions based on the fact that the average American is a fucking idiot.

How's that for a stupid post?

I’ve never had the Covid booster shot. I only had the initial Moderna vaccine. I spent NYE 2022 with Covid that week but that was it.

I’m not old or fat though.

[quote]Got it 2 weekends ago at Walgreens. Free and easy

That’s my style!

Last week the VA told us to check back in two weeks (we're trying to get my old Dad the new booster).

Got a flu shot and the pharmacist handed a list if 7 shots I’m due for. Covid oddly wasn’t on it.

This years rates were put in place before the Big Beautiful Pile of Shit Bill.

IT IS NEXT YEAR WHEN THE SHIT HITS THE FAN.

Just in time for the midterms, R32!

[quote]I’m not old or fat though.

Then what the hell are you doing on DataLounge?

R28 But you ARE a gaping, prolapsed asshole. Do you suffer from chronic piles?

R34 Marry me!

I have an appointment in NYC to get a Covid booster. No prescription.

One thing I'm noticing about this COVID booster as opposed to all the others I've had is that the day after my arm is not sore at all and I don't have the big hard lump under the skin at the injection site.

r37 I had it yesterday around 1pm at Kaiser and my arm is sore, but not horribly so. No big lump though.

I am starting to feel kind of snotty and yuck though, but assuming that will be the extent of it, given I'm about 23 hours out from the jab.

Guess what, fellow DLers! This is what I got from the VA today.

[quote]Hello, The COVID vaccines are currently on hold until we receive updated CDC guidance. The flu shot are still not available. We will send a message when the flu shots are available. We value your service to our country and for allowing us to serve you.

Guess I won't be getting the Covid shot from the VA. And since I live in FL, I don't know if I'll be able to get one anywhere.

I knew this was gonna happen. The VA is the Feds, and the Feds are the Feds. They do what the Master says.

[quote]We value your service to our country and for allowing us to serve you.

"That said, we don't care if you get Covid in the next few weeks and die a horrible death."

Had one in May. Plan to get another in November. I am 66 and I hope Medicare will still pay for it.

Then you may want to move your next up a bit, because there's now some talk about making the vaccine only available to those over 75. That's supposed to be decided on soon.

It depends where you live. I live in a State that that provides them without an Rx. Some you need one from your primary, some the DOH has secured orders from their director (a physician) - but everyone should be able to get one - you might have to pay for it though. So far, the government is trying to eliminate it. Vaccines are the only reason we can live in large communities without being ravaged by disease....but guess those days are soon to disappear.

I live in MA. I'm 53, had my covid shot last week, easy to make an appointment online, fully covered by insurance.

This article says those over 65 should consider getting their vaccine this week, because things may change soon.

No.

I'm getting it Friday. So many of my students are out with covid right now, it's crazy. I want to get the booster before my idiot state (Texas) or the CDC make it impossible.

I'm gonna try the CVS up the road tomorrow. Sometimes they give me discounts because I'm a veteran.

Wish me luck.

I got my Flu and Covid-19 today at CVS here at home. I told my Evil Pharmacist I have to go to Ft. Lauderdale/ Wilton Manors to see a client this Friday.

California CVS, both flu and COVID. No questions asked. My arm that got the flu shot hurt like hell at night for 3 days. Am fine now, and glad I got them.

I will get flu vaccine, but not Covid vaccine.

Got both Covid and Flu yesterday, feeling tired and achy this afternoon and evening, but not too bad. Like I've said about everything going on in our country right now, I can't believe we're facing [italic]this.[/italic]

R19

Maybe because the ACIP (vax committee) doesn’t meet until then?

You know, once upon a time I prowled around different parts of town trying to find heroin, speed, pot, quaaludes, whatever.

Now I have to take that youthful expertise from 44 years ago and put it toward trying to find a Covid shot.

My, how times have changed, right?

"Seniors should get their legal-and-safe COVID booster TODAY, because the leatherfaced drug addict who runs federal health policy might BAN it tomorrow!"

Update:

I went to CVS. Need a doctor's prescription. So no go.

Went to a local "free" clinic. They don't have it.

Went to the county health department. They don't have it either, but rumor has it Publix may get some at the end of the month.

The quest continues.

No. I'm done with all that.

I got it this morning at CVS. My arm is sore as hell. But that always happens.

Years ago, I had the first injection of a 2 part dose. I never went back. Laziness mainly. And weird work hours. I haven't had the flu in 10 yrs, much less covid. Check my posting history. I HATE Trump. But I believe some people are naturally immune to it.

Not getting it. No thanks.

[quote]Years ago, I had the first injection of a 2 part dose. I never went back. Laziness mainly. And weird work hours. I haven't had the flu in 10 yrs, much less covid. Check my posting history. I HATE Trump. But I believe some people are naturally immune to it.

Me too. Only one shot and never went back for the second.

I haven't had the flu in nearly 30 years. I take no prescription drugs either.

I'm getting my COVID-19 shot on Sunday. I'm a senior citizen who's had pneumonia 3 times along with pleural infusion which was horrible. Due to weak lungs I get COVID-19, flu and pneumonia shots when needed.

r59, your "beliefs" are not based on fact. Hundreds of people live (and vote) their lives based on emotions and beliefs that are not grounded in science or reason. You've been lucky, and probably careful. Glad you're not MAGA. While COVID and flu vaccines aren't 100% effective, there's a mountain of data that shows that they can reduce the risk of contracting those viruses or at least reduce the probability of the infections becoming lethal. So, you're gambling. If you should lose, you'll be potentially spreading it to others, which makes you an asshole gambler.

R61, same here. No flus or Covid, but I do get colds.

No one faxes a scrip. It’s all electronic now.

I went to my annual in midtown NYC yesterday and Covid shot was the first thing my Dr. asked me about. I had it done in office with the flu shot. Got hit pretty hard that afternoon and shoulder is very sore, just like every reaction I had to the past shots. I can’t believe that this would even be a discussion considering what we collectively just went through, but NYC isn’t playing RFK nutbag’s game.

NYS—correction, not just NYC.

And the health insurance trade group confirmed every insurer (nationwide) will cover COVID shots, not withstanding any CDC guidance.

It's interesting that when the corrupt Leo/Crow Supreme Court reversed Chevron, we no longer have The APA as a guideline. All it takes is a Court ruling in 50 states.

Heading out to the CVS in The Villages today. A nurse friend of mine told me that the CVS stores with a "Minute Clinic" are giving the shot without a prescription. It's a 45 minute drive from me, so I'll give it a shot (see what I did there?), but if I am unsuccessful, I guess I'll just wait until the VA can give it to me (never...?).

Wish me luck.

Good luck, SL.

I hate this timeline we're living in now.

And who knows, R59? I had a friend (a nurse, no less) who was immune to HIV. He was a bottom and had more sex than anyone I've ever known. Was a habitué of the baths, and always said he never wanted to have sex with the same guy twice. He never used any kind of protection (well, you know, never asked his partners to use anything) and never got it.

He ended up dying from lymph cancer at 52, though. RIP Queen Jay, wherever you are.

You lazy whores!

You’re just going to give each other super-COVID when you cough all over each other at Bob Evans next weekend.

R69 ask for stop and clam shots—it’s THE Villages after all

Syph not stop!

Well…

I haven’t read the other posts here so forgive me if I’m repeating other posters here.

But I have to respond to OP because this is bullshit. 72 years old in NYC, went online and booked an appointment for two days later at the CVS two blocks from my home to get the senior (double) dose of the flu shot as well as the latest Covid booster. Was taken on time, got both shots, was not charged.

I have Medicare and a good supplemental plan from United Healthcare, and spend less than $400 a month on my health insurance (though my dental coverage nad orescription drug plan are extra).

Michigan's chief medical executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, declared today that anyone who has not yet received the 2025-2026 vaccine can be considered to have an underlying condition that makes them eligible to be vaccinated.

“This gives (providers) support to interpret the FDA label and say ‘Yes, you’re at higher risk and we feel comfortable because this is best practice in Michigan as outlined by this standing recommendation,’” she said.

I hope my workplace (hospital) will offer it again this year. It wasn’t mandatory last year but still offered.

The crackpot CDC panel met and decided patients must consult a health care provider for Covid-19 vaccination, but no prescription is required.

This is about as clear as mud. How the hell does a pharmacy know whether you consulted anyone or what your provider said if you did consult one? And if you have to consult your provider at all then what's the point of not requiring a prescription?

This sounds like the CDC is talking out of both sides of their mouth and that they're putting pharmacists in the middle. But bottom line is they were too chickenshit to do what Junior wanted them to do so I won't be surprised if he orders them to hold another "meeting,"

Went to the CVS Minute Clinic, but I needed to have an appointment, and they're booked up so far ahead I can't even make an appointment online.

Curses! Foiled again!

I got it in Texas last week, no doctor or medical excuse needed

R79, CVS Pharmacy and the Minute Clinic are two separate entities even they are under one roof. I get my shot under the auspices of the pharmacy by a nurse? technician? of some kind., I used the CVS website to make an appt. It shows the available slots in 15 minute increments.

r78, Pharmacists are healthcare providers. They are the one administering the shots at Walgreens.

I got my yearly text from the CVS app to schedule my vaccines. I chose a flu shot and the Covid booster.

I got both shots yesterday, nobody asked for my insurance card, but I'm sure it's on file there. I had a rotten night's sleep and felt like crap today, as per usual!

R83 Roger Marshall is a medical doctor. And he is this ignorant of vaccines and immunity.

"the puncture"?

That's like referring to surgery as "the slicing."

It appears Florida's QANON Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo isn't quite the true believer he professes to be.

He and Gov. DeSantis refused to answer when asked whether they and their children get vaccinated. Which means, of course, they do.

R86, the Brits call it a Jab.

Americans call it a shot.

Nomenclature.

All the MAGAts call it "the jab" as well.

Many more used to but they died of Covid.

I had flu and covid shots at noon yesterday and cannot sleep at all tonight and feel like shit, I should have done one at a time.

I grew up hearing "puncture". My grandmother was from Portugal and it was the term she used and all her children used it (including my mother), so it's the term I use. Plus, I'm 72 years old. I don't always use the same nomenclature your whippersnappers use.

So sue me.

They're not available where I am until after Oct 27 unless you are deemed high risk or over 65. I am planning on getting one though along with the flu shot, especially this year; I just recovered from a very bad bout of bronchitis and apparently once you get it you're susceptible to it in the future (never had it before in my life). I'm 52.

I get them (Covid, flu) separately. I’ve never had a reaction to either but I just figure, why chance it. I wish I knew why some people react and others don’t.

Yep, scheduled for next Monday. But then, I'm an Elder.

An Elder who will still be standing in six months time.

R94 You still have sex standing up? With those knees?

What a bunch of lemmings. I'm in the healthcare field and none of us are even talking about this, let alone thinking about getting these boosters. Flu shots are required every year, Hep B vaccines are encouraged (I've tried twice but never produced antibodies. My doctor said that this is more common than people realize), not a word about requiring covid boosters by the infection control department.

Meanwhile, in the real world, I've gotten emails from my doctor, my health insurer and the county health department urging me to get a covid shot.

R97, are you sure you're in the real world? I've gotten no recommendations or notices from any of these sources to get a booster and I'm old.

- R96

My health insurer (UHC), my clinic, and the county put out a notice as well.

Medicare Advantage

It's interesting from reading all these how many people all over the country go to CVS. They practically have a monopoly. A few people have mentioned Walgreens but that's about it. (I go to Costco.)

Do you live in a red state, R98?

Nope, R101, NYC/NYS

[quote]NYC/NYS

Huh.

Not to belabor the point, but I had lunch yesterday with a friend of mine who is a nurse at two different hospitals in Manhattan. Because of this thread, I asked her if she was planning to get a covid booster. Her reply, "What are you crazy?" Also, neither of the hospitals where she works is requiring boosters of their staff. BTW, she is in her mid-50s.

- R96, R102

r96 = RFK, Jr.

Got my COVID booster and flu shot at CVS last week

R105, I'm just telling you the truth from someone in the healthcare field. You do you.

Is your nurse friend an epidemiologist? Tell Ms Bedpan she should stick to what she actually knows?

Interestingly, r107, the people I've recently spoken to in the healthcare field (my doctor, his PA, the person giving me the Covid shot) were all overwhelmingly talking about how they were going to get the shot now that the new, updated version was available.

That's why what you're saying to me doesn't ring true [bold] at all. [/bold]

But you, as well, "do you."

R109 - I actually believe R107. There's always one in the bunch, and each dog seeks it's own.

For what it's worth, I have R96/R107 blocked, and I never block anyone unless they're MAGAts.

R108, actually, in one medical center she's been involved in a study with long-term HIV positive people, at her other nursing job she does patient care. She has extensive nursing experience, including caring for HIV patients at at St. Vincent's starting in the late 80s. As my posts said, no one I know in the medical field is talking about this or getting boosters, including me.

Everyone must decide what they think necessary and do what they are comfortable with. I've just given a different experience and perspective, partially to counter OP's fear mongering.

r111 as soon as he called the people who got Covid boosters "lemmings," I knew his bent. That's why I called him RFK, Jr.

Yes, next week. Our health provider offers walk-in and scheduled appointments. My partner got his last week.

Just got my COVID-19 shot last Sunday. My arm is still a little swollen. My doctor said that's a good response and indicates my body has a strong immune response.

R112 - Ms Bedpan may be a good person and a good nurse, that doesn't make her [bold] OPINION [/bold] on vaccines worth taking seriously. I wouldn't go to a factory worker in a car plant to find out what's wrong with my car.

Maybe no one you know in the medical field discusses getting the vaccine with you because they know you are a MAGA cunt?

r116 / Dustin - come and sit at my lunch table.

You're my kind of people.

I would not want her as my nurse.

Also, as to the shot I will get on October 1st, Pfizer or Moderna?

I go to Walgreens and their pharmacies are either Pfizer or Moderna, so I have to pick a store in advance.

r118 - I got Pfizer this time because that was what my healthcare organization was offering.

In comparison to the other 3 or 4 other total Covid shots I've gotten (since Covid started) that were all Moderna, I barely had a reaction beyond a slightly sore arm for 12 hours after the shot. Nothing beyond that, not even fatigue or general malaise.

I don't know what to make of that, but thought I'd give you that anecdotal info.

That's what I was looking for because the online comparisons seem to be identical.

And then there is this:

I’m coming off my second shingles shot and have the sore arm to prove it.

Last time I did Covid and flu on the same day it was miserable. I spaced the two out last year and had no side effects at all. I’ll have to see if I can find Moderna somewhere around here.

Last time I got Fluzone, Modern Covid and RSV in my heart lung arm (left) at the same time. I got a hard lump for a few days but my little flat, heated vibrator irons it out.

I went to order my free covid tests....they had stopped giving them out for a while but I got a couple in 2024 that were past their date...anyway. You go to Covid.gov where you USED to be able to order them and instead, this is what I got from that fat orange toad motherfucker:

That is now the old covid test order site ..I’m raging mad

[quote] a friend of mine who is a nurse at two different hospitals in Manhattan

Simply being a health care worker does not automatically mean you have any common sense. Your friend sounds like a fool.

[quote]Because of this thread, I asked her if she was planning to get a covid booster. Her reply, "What are you crazy?" Also, neither of the hospitals where she works is requiring boosters of their staff. BTW, she is in her mid-50s.

Every nurse I know is kind of a crazy ass know-it-all. I'm sure they know absolutely everything, just ask one.

R122 with the big red Shingrex welt..

Seriously, yuck.

Also, I made my flu vaccine appointment at good old Costco. It seems to move you through faster than CVS. Plus I can get other stuff I don’t need.

So many Clint Eastwoods in this thread. Tough and judgmental.

I forgot SUPER OLD.

I received my Covid booster the same day as my second shingles vaccine, I can't recommend that combination.

R130 I did exactly the same a year ago.

On my last day in the hospital back in May one of my nurses came in and told me I must reduce my salt intake to no more than 20mg per meal (which is practically nothing), which I did. 2 weeks later I had an appointment with my cardiologist to review the blood-work I'd had done the day before. He said "I need you to sharply increase your salt intake because you are drastically low". I told him what that nurse had said and he got visibly upset. He said she should have known the 2 diuretics he had me on would have already reduced my salt intake considerably. His last words were "I'll deal with her".

I got my Covid (Moderna) and flu shots yesterday in my left arm, and Tdap in my right arm, yesterday. The Covid shot didn’t hurt much at all - it’s a tiny pin prick. Flu and Tdap made me flinch momentarily while going in, but I feel fine today. Very mild soreness in my arms. I got Covid once, in 2023, and it took me a couple of weeks to test negative after I had it. I don’t want to get it again. Only time I’ve had a reaction to a vaccine was to the early J&J dose, which they don’t give anymore. It was a mild reaction (light headed and a low fever) back in April 2020. Even so, I was glad I got it (one shot instead of two). I’ve been boosted every year since with Moderna, and I seem to pass unscathed even though I’m on buses and at work with people coughing and seeming ill.

I'm 38. So no.

R124, does the website you shared mention that there was a moratorium on gain of function research placed on gain of function research in 2014, under the Obama administration, which was lifted in Trump’s first term? No. People who believe what he says usually say, “I looked it up and verified it,” but they don’t know what they don’t know. Meanwhile, he’s exaggerating statements that are not accurate - like no autism in the Amish community or no autism before 1950. If you want to genuinely question the role of private equity groups in corrupting medicine (where medical doctors work 80 hour weeks and take on liability for what corporations say they need to do for the sake of shareholder profits) then do so, but I would question anything like this coming from someone whose primary stance is to ask for no regulations.

Gain of function research, is a QAnon phrase for people with Dunning-Kruger.

Only assholes use this phrase.

Walked in, got Fluzone and Moderna and was out in 15 mins.

Walgreens

R136, gain of function research is a scientific topic, about which much has been said, long before anything like QAnon ever existed. It has nothing to do with QAnon.

Topics of interest: The main reason gain of function research was done, despite everyone being aware of significant risks, was because research for biological defense has been funded tens of millions of dollars more than research for health alone, since the early 2000s. Significantly less money was earmarked for safety around that research. I don’t know if you read the article I posted from Science before, but it is from 2014.

Of course. But we got the last one back in May so will prob wait until November for the update.

No problem getting one at Walgreens in Rhode Island. I didn't even need to reserve a time.

R138, Gain of Function research is a Right Wing talking point to denigrate the recommendations of Medical SMEs like Dr. Fauci.

R141, acting like it’s a right wing talking point when it’s been a topic generally for 25 years across multiple administrations doesn’t help anyone. It’s a topic. It relates to federal funding of defense vs other types of federal funding. It relates to federal funding related to safety.

R142, in a Project 2025 world, just another reason not to spend money.

R143, in a Project 2025 world, women would not be able to rent apartments or keep their own income from their jobs. It is a document so extreme it makes the Bush administration look far left. And perspectives like that are similar to monarchism-what the king says rules, no safeguards, no regulations. Vaccine safety is a minor issue compared with that, but now Trump is publicly saying things like “There’s no autism in the Amish community,” when even a cursory search would tell you there is. The vaccines with gain of function research had a defense rationale because there was always a potential that gain of function could have been weaponized, but now they already exist, the product of years of research, and I trust them.

I got my flu and updated (2026) Moderna vaccines at CVS last Thursday. I guess Health Net paid for it. They didn't ask me for any copays. I'm not 65 yet and wasn't ask for a prescription or if I gad any risk factors (I don't). I'd suggest that anyone interested in keeping up to date on their vaccines do so quickly. The rules may change from one day to the next.

r144, sing it sister!

I got mine yesterday at an independent pharmacy in Austin. No questions asked at all. In fact, all pharmacists I spoke to about it (two at Walgreen’s and this one) all rolled their eyes at the new “rules” and made it very clear that they weren’t going to ask about pre-existing conditions. My dad’s pharmacist in Sugar Land (outside Houston) said the same thing.

I need to get a bunch of shots for work, and my GP looked at my vaccination record, noticed I hadn’t had Covid or flu shots since last year and added them to the list.

R126 overworked in an understaffed hospital would make any nurse crazy

You have been exposed to Covid many times, OP. No need to get more shots.

R150 immunity from having it or a vaccine only lasts for a number of months. COVID is not like some infections where lifelong immunity is conferred.