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Pharmacies now offering COVID-19 vaccines: Here's what you need to know CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart are among 21 chains and networks getting immunization shots from U.S. this week. Kate Gibson cbsmoneywatch

The effort to immunize more Americans against the coronavirus now includes major retail pharmacy chains.

National drugstore chains CVS Health and Walgreens are among the more than 20 major retailers getting supplies of COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government this week. But getting a shot isn't as easy as walking through the pharmacy door. Indeed, consumers are being discouraged from flocking to the stores, but rather get in line by making an appointment online or the phone. 

The federal program will be implemented in stages, based on available vaccine supplies, with shipments arriving as soon as Thursday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

All told, the federal government is partnering with 21 national pharmacy chains and independent networks to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines across the U.S., according to the agency. The pharmacies taking part vary by state, with the CDC offering a state-by-state accounting of which retailers will be getting vaccine doses this week. 

In Alabama, for example, Walmart pharmacies will get federal shipments of the vaccine, while in California, CVS and Rite Aid are expected to receive doses. Shipments of the vaccine are going to Hy-Vee and CPESN USA locations in Iowa, and to Albertsons, Costco and Health Mart pharmacies in Washington state. Look up your state here.

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