CVS Health Corp has announced plans to hire 25,000 additional workers in the United States as it prepares for the upcoming flu season and the anticipated rollout of Covid-19 vaccine booster shots. The company will launch a virtual hiring campaign on 24 September to fill the positions.
Most of the available jobs are for full-time, part-time, and temporary licensed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses. CVS is also seeking employees to help manage its retail stores. The company has already administered more than 34 million Covid-19 vaccines and over 32 million tests.
The hiring drive comes as the White House announced last month that booster shots would become available for all Americans from 20 September, citing waning efficacy of the initial doses. However, an independent panel at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted on 17 September to recommend boosters only for specific at-risk groups, including those aged 65 and older and individuals at high risk of severe Covid-19.
CVS also raised its minimum hourly wages for staff, as retailers across the US struggle to attract and retain workers amid a nationwide labour shortage caused by the pandemic. Rivals such as Walgreens Boots Alliance are expected to face similar pressures as they prepare to administer boosters.
The company will continue to offer Covid-19 tests and vaccines to those not yet immunised, pending regulatory approval for the third shots. CVS previously hired 50,000 employees in March 2020 to assist during the initial coronavirus outbreak.
