CLEVELAND — Giant Eagle, which operates dozens of grocery stores in central and northeastern Ohio, is again requiring those seeking COVID-19 vaccines to book appointments online. 

What You Need To Know

  • Clinics across America are offering a “booster” dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

  • Those older than age 65, weakened immune systems or working in congregate settings are eligible

  • Giant Eagle is asking patients to book COVID-19 vaccines online due to an expected surge in shots

  • Other major pharmacy chains are still allowing walk-ins

The shift back to online reservation comes as Giant Eagle is expecting a resurgence in COVID-19 vaccinations in the coming weeks. The resurgence in vaccinations is because a number of Americans are now eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. 

Giant Eagle said booster shots are available to the following groups, provided that it has been six months since their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine: 

  • Residents of long-term care facilities (18+ years of age)
  • Patients 65+ years of age
  • Patients 18-64 years of age with underlying medical conditions.
  • Patients 18-64 years of age who are in an occupational or institutional setting where the burden of COVID-19 infection and risk of transmission are high, including essential workers, unpaid caregivers of a frail or immunocompromised person, paid or unpaid workers who interact within six feet of others and those who live in a congregate setting (e.g., a homeless shelter or correctional facility).

COVID-19 shots have been readily available for months with many clinics offering walk-in appointments.

As of Monday, CVS and Walgreens are continuing to allow walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations. 

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