CVS no longer administering J&J shots in many locations

Drugstore chain CVS Health is no longer offering Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine in many of its retail locations, the company told The Hill.

In an email, CVS spokesman Mike DeAngelis said retail locations continue to offer either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

DeAngelis said the change was implemented “several weeks ago, and helps us manage our vaccine supply across the chain, both in our pharmacies and clinics.”

He added the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is still offered at almost 1,000 of its MinuteClinic locations in 25 states and Washington, D.C. 

The company has more than 9,900 retail locations and approximately 1,100 walk-in medical clinics.

CNBC first reported the move.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was touted as a potential game-changer when it was initially authorized. It is a single-dose shot, and can be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures, making it especially useful for hard-to-reach populations.

But the vaccine has been beset by production issues, as well as concerns about its effectiveness against the delta variant that’s currently surging through the U.S. 

Federal health officials also paused administration of the vaccine for more than a week in April, due to worries about rare but serious blood clots. Only about 13.3 million people have been vaccinated with the J&J vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not recommended booster shots, but some Americans who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have taken it upon themselves to get a dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

During an earnings call Wednesday, CVS executives said the pace of vaccinations has slowed compared to predictions. 

The company administered nearly 17 million COVID-19 vaccines nationwide in the second quarter, and expects to deliver between 32 million and 36 million total doses this year. Earlier estimates were as high as 44 million doses.