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Costco has updated Novavax (self.ZeroCovidCommunity)

submitted by emilphysics

Just got back from getting the updated Novavax.
My local Costco just got their first shipment this afternoon. I was the second person they administered it to.

Do not trust the costco website, as it will tell you the earliest appointment is saturday. Call and ask, and if they have it they will allow you to just walk in, thats what I did. Took 10 minutes, including the paperwork. I printed and filled out the form in advance to minimize time inside the store.

Good luck finding yours.

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[–]IagoEliHarmony 15 points16 points  (1 child)

THANK YOU!

I've been calling around the last few days and most pharmacies didn't even know what Novavax WAS.

Got the fam and I appointments for my local costco on Saturday!

[–]horse-boy1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I called a couple pharmacies last week and they said it was discontinued! I had to tell them there is an updated version coming out. I called Costco last week and they said they didn't know anything about it. Called yesterday and they said they got it and I made an appointment for tomorrow.

[–]c0rgs 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Can confirm, they were taking walk-ins today at my location (Fremont, California). They said they only had “a couple”. It was free with Medicare.

[–]Kazooguru 8 points9 points  (4 children)

I just received the Pfizer vaccine last week. Can I still get the novavax at some point?

[–]Pretend-Mention-9903 2 points3 points  (1 child)

This is what I want to know too. I got moderna a few weeks ago since I'm high risk/immunocompromised and wanted to get an updated booster asap. Cdcs guidance is unclear but it looks like I might just have to wait two months? Not sure. I would pay out of pocket for one if I could get it earlier but idk if they'll let me. Interested in finding out

[–]sistrmoon45 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If you’re immuno you can get another in 2 months after the first updated one according to guidelines..

[–]TinyEmergencyCake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In 2 months

[–]thealiveness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

According to the Costco pharmacist, you have to wait 2 months.

[–]flowing42 6 points7 points  (0 children)

A few Massachusetts locations I called had it as well They just received it today. Can walk in to get it

[–]jarjar_is_a_sithlord 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I made an appointment for tomorrow, they called and asked if I could come tonight because they had an open vial. My Costco (Bay Area) only got 30 vials in so hurry!

[–]Phoole 5 points6 points  (3 children)

Do you have to be a member of Costco?

[–]emilphysics[S] 23 points24 points  (2 children)

No, just walk in with a form from the website or they will give you the form there if you dont have a printer. Not sure about payment without insurance, I just gave them my insurance info and didn't have to pay anything. This was my first visit to costco ever.

[–]Phoole 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Excellent! Thank you!!!

[–]SmithMano 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At my costco they weren’t taking walk ins for covid vaccines. It was hella busy that day though

[–]EducationalAct2795 5 points6 points  (5 children)

That's awesome. Does anyone know how much it would be for someone without insurance? Would they honor the Bridge Program?

I'll be calling in the morning to find out if no one here knows.

EDIT: I called and was told for uninsured non Costco members would be $186. They also said they are NOT participating in the Bridge Access Program.

[–]WerewolfNatural380 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Interested to know too, let us know when you find out please!

[–]EducationalAct2795 5 points6 points  (1 child)

I called and was told for uninsured non Costco members would be $186. They also said they are NOT participating in the Bridge Access Program.

[–]WerewolfNatural380 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oof gonna have to sit on that. Thanks for the info!

[–]essbie_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it’s around $189. I saw someone post a picture of the Rx @ Costco and that’s what it showed as out of pocket. As far as Bridge Program, I’m not sure, you’d have to check that website for which pharmacies participate

[–]sistrmoon45 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As of now for pharmacies, it’s only CVS, Walgreens, and etruenorth participating in the bridge program (and even those pharmacies sometimes seem unaware of the program.) I would still ask though.

[–]dak4f2 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Can anyone tell me what's different about Novavax and why it's preferred? I'm getting vaccinated in a week or two. Thanks!

[–]countermereology 11 points12 points  (0 children)

There is some indication that the original Novavax was better able to protect against new variants than other vaccines. According to the company, the original formulation remained effective against BA.1 and BA.5, and only really lost efficacy with the advent of XBB. So, there is a hope that the new Novavax will be equally resilient against variants following on from the XBB cloud. But it is too early to say for sure.

The side-effect profile is also considerably milder than mRNA vaccines, if that's something you care about.

[–]SkippySkep 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I found appointments tomorrow. Thanks for the update.

[–]isakov 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Are you in the US?

[–]emilphysics[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes, Wisconsin.

[–][deleted]  (5 children)

[deleted]

    [–]brutallyhonestkitten 6 points7 points  (4 children)

    Just so you know Kaiser told me that they are reimbursing all out of network vaccines until Nov 11th I believe. I would check your area but assume that’s for all of Kaiser.

    So save your receipt wherever you go and submit it to billing for reimbursement, they are doing it because of the lack of vaccinations and strikes etc.

    [–]sgsparkle 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    What state are you in? Just curious cause I’m in CO and Kaiser said they are not covering any outside vaccines at this time or planning to stock Novovax at all.

    [–]brutallyhonestkitten 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    I’m on the west coast, that may be the difference?

    [–]sgsparkle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Makes sense. Yea their latest update on their site says that only California commercial members can get reimbursed til 11/11. Sounds like they are primarily giving Pfizer shots at KP.

    [–]omHK 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Thanks. I just booked an appointment online. So if Novavax was a vaccine option on the list, that definitely means it's the updated one and not the old one?

    [–]Feelsliketeenspirit 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    I believe so. Just last week Novavax was not an option at all, so it was added recently.

    [–]cassandras-curse 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Same, me too! The website for ours is useless, just call and confirm availability then do a walk-in.

    [–]Chicken_Water 2 points3 points  (6 children)

    How safe is Costco? I'm not too thrilled about being in a store frequented by so many people and I couldn't get an appointment until 11:30 on Friday. I only have 3M Aura N95s and while they seem really well fitted, I've never had one fit tested. Haven't found anyone else carrying novavax yet though.

    [–]Thequiet01 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    CostCos are huge buildings with very high ceilings. Even the most crowded I’ve ever seen it there’s still a lot of air volume and air movement, which helps a lot. At 11:30 on a Friday it shouldn’t be a terribly busy time either. ETA: I mean definitely wear a mask. But as far as indoor spaces go, I’d much rather be in somewhere like a CostCo than a standard pharmacy building or doctor’s office where the rooms are much smaller.

    [–]squidkidd0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Not very safe when crowded. I recorded 1,300 ppm CO2 a week ago and I've heard similar numbers at others. On an uncrowded weekday evening I got a reading in the 900s which is still worse than stores like Target and Kroger near me.

    I'd still feel pretty safe in an Aura though as long as you aren't planning to be there an hour.

    [–]emilphysics[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Hard to say. This was my first time in a supermarket full of people in 3 years. There was a lot of people, but no one was coughing or seemed visibly sick. It is also a very large open warehouse space with huge ceiling fans churning the air all the time. I did not feel safe, but also did not feel super unsafe like a hospital would. There is plenty of space to distance yourself from others even just a little bit, which, at least psychologically, makes you feel like you have a little control. And the whole thing takes 10-15 minutes. Wore a 3M Aura too.

    I have a small pharmacy nearby that does curbside vaccinations, but they wont have Novavax until mid/late next week. I was initially planning to go there, but I have a mandatory government thing on Monday where I have to take my mask off for a photo so I thought I have to do this now, and even that is a bit too late. And that visit is 10x more scary than costco.

    [–]SkippySkep 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Feels a lot safer than being in a Walgreens. More space in between people near the pharmacy.

    But, that being said, there was a woman sitting down waiting for something at the pharmacy who was coughing when I went there for NovaVax - I kept my distance and was wearing a very well fitted N95, but I wasn't happy about someone who is sick with a respiratory ailment coughing near the pharmacy.

    [–]Chicken_Water 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Just went and there were a billion people in there. Haven't been in a situation like that since 2021 when half the people were at least making still. Unfortunately I also discovered we are out of Enovid. Super uncomfortable with how it went down. The pharmacy wait was at least mercifully short.

    [–]SkippySkep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Yeah, it probably is going to vary a lot between Costco's, and at the time of day. I automatically went to one of the less crowded Costco's without even really considering that's what I was doing.

    Google has bar graphs for what times of day and what days have the lowest number of people at different locations.

    [–]HotCheetoooooooooo 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Hey OP, hope you’re doing well friend!

    That being said… how are you feeling actually?

    Any side effects as of yet? I was gonna make a weird request, since this one isn’t “too popular”, would you care to make frequent posts updating us on your side effects with Novavax?

    That would be really cool!

    Anyway, thanks in advance my friend!

    [–]emilphysics[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Not great :) I just made another post about it.

    [–]sistrmoon45 2 points3 points  (4 children)

    Hmmm, I have a Moderna scheduled tomorrow. Guess I’m off to see where my closest Costco is instead. ETA: hmmmm, 60 miles away in another state:/

    [–]ApprehensiveItem4 0 points1 point  (3 children)

    Call your local rite aid and ask about shipments as well!

    [–]sistrmoon45 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Ugh I called them and they acted all weird and said “technically we have it in stock now” and I said how can I book an appt, they said the website, and I said is it on there as an option because last I checked it wasn’t. And they were like “it should be!” And, it isn’t. :/

    [–]ApprehensiveItem4 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Aw darn I'm so sorry. I also saw an infographic going around that said that your local rite aids might end up sticking it if you call and ask about shipments. Fingers crossed Costco will allow you to make an appt soon!!!

    [–]sistrmoon45 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Oh it was Rite Aid that I called, I wasn’t clear. Because that is a 20 minute drive in the same state, at least. Maybe I’ll just show up there….it says “walk ins welcome.”

    [–]BuffGuy716 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Thanks!

    [–]svesrujm 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    In Canada right?

    [–]Bobbin_thimble1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I don’t think so.

    [–]lurklurklurky 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Does anyone know if they participate in the Bridge Access program for folks without insurance?

    [–]sistrmoon45 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Another comment says they are not.

    [–]SHC606 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    No. Check by zipcode who does participate at the Bridge Access. I know for me the big chain participant is Walgreens, not Walmart for example.

    [–]SkippySkep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Got Novavax from Costco in the Bay Area yesterday. However, they are not in network for Kaiser, so it wound up costing me $177 out of pocket (I decided not to wait for Kaiser to possibly have it, sometime.)

    [–]PeaceCorpsMwende 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    I heard this lady tell a guy to select "other" when making an appointment online for covid-novavax. He was here for a flu shot and wanted to space them out. I don't think the website folks got the memo from the guys at the dock that it's arrived on stores.

    [–]emilphysics[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    From what I understood, there is no difference whether you make an appointment online or just walk in. Appointment people stand in the same line as walk-ins and do not have priority. The only difference would be if the pharmacy was overwhelmed with the amount of people to vaccinate, at which point they would just pause walk-ins for a while and only do the ones that had an appointment.

    You can call and ask how many people are currently waiting. I did that and the pharmacist said that there is very few people, and when I got there, there was in fact only one lady in line in front of me.

    [–]PeaceCorpsMwende 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    That's exactly what we just experienced. The people with appointments were late and there were a few waiting when we arrived as walk ins but we were all served in line.

    [–]TranquilMarmot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Nice! Scheduled for next week

    [–]Bobbin_thimble1994 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    What kind of paperwork needs to be filled out?

    [–]emilphysics[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    A typical vaccination consent form. Your personal details, insurance details, yes/no for allergies and illnesses, and a signature. Its on their website.

    [–]lauraliart 0 points1 point  (4 children)

    Just made an appointment at a costco in Oregon. I understand you don't have to be a member to get it there but you have to show proof of your vaccine appointment so I don't think I could try a walk in. But it isn't too far out and I only go to the grocery store and essential trips out so no problem laying low until then (and after--I have long Covid from a previous infection--determined to avoid catching it again).

    [–]SHC606 0 points1 point  (3 children)

    I think in some states you can still buy alcohol and prescriptions w/o membership. Just tell them you are going to the pharmacy. It shouldn't be an issue.

    [–]lauraliart 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Thank you! I did hear you could, just bring proof of the appointment. So I printed out the email confirmation to take with me. I also found out that, in Oregon, the shot should be covered with the type of insurance I have :-). I wouldn't mind a membership but the Costco is nearly 20 miles away so I can't see that I'd go very often. Rite Aid here has it now too but appointments don't start until the end of the month (my Costco appt is less than a week away now).

    [–]SHC606 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    If you have pet prescriptions check the price it could definitely be worth the membership even in a small household and many think the wine/liquor prices are also worth it. I have 2 w/in 5 miles of my home so it’s worth it to me just for the petrol.

    [–]lauraliart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Definitely! If they opened one in my city, I'd get a membership. But I can't see me wanting to make a 40 mile round trip regularly. But who knows? After I see it, I may decide it's worth it :-).

    [–]megelirow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    probably a silly question/i’m just missing it online, but how well do they take insurance? online says the cost is $140, and i’m curious how accepting they are. i have united healthcare, fwiw. glad you were able to get it so quickly/easily!

    [–]Burnratebro 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Yoo that’s awesome thanks for the heads up!!! Btw any side effects? mRNA ones kicked my ass..

    [–]MrsClaire07 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Only a slightly sore arm & a bit of fatigue the next day for me!

    [–]Flankr6 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Reporting in from Colorado. The local Costco had appointments available online for Novavax, so I just went in person and was able to get one no problem when I showed up without an appointment.

    1- I do not have a Costco membership, and told the person at the front door that I had an appointment for the vaccine. (In my head I had an appointment, so it seemed like a pretty harmless statement.) 2- at the pharmacy, I asked if they could do walk-in appointments, and they said it was not an issue and handed me some paperwork. 3- they said right off the bat that insurance was not required, but that if I did have insurance, they would like my information to see if it was covered. To me that means they are well aware of the federal Bridge program.

    Overall, I am not a Costco member, but this thread helped me find a way to just walk in and get the vaccination with out any issue. It is a great option if you have one nearby.

    [–]MrsClaire07 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    In Connecticut, our local Costcos are providing the shots to walk-ins, no appointment necessary!