The Bay Area is experiencing a shortage of COVID vaccines amid a summer surge in cases. Major health care providers and retail pharmacies attribute the shortage to limited supply.

Rite Aid reported to NBC Bay Area that its vaccine supply is constrained due to the expiration of current doses and is awaiting the new 2024-25 vaccines, expected to arrive by September.

CVS Pharmacy also noted that while some locations still have doses, they cannot restock until the new supply arrives.

Kaiser Permanente mentioned that due to the depleted supply, the vaccine will not be available to certain age groups until the new doses come in. “Due to the limited supply of the 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccines, Kaiser Permanente will not be routinely providing COVID-19 vaccination for some or all age groups for the rest of the summer, depending on the service area,” the provider stated. “Vaccination for all recommended age groups will resume when the 2024-25 vaccines are available in September, expected to offer enhanced protection against current COVID-19 strains.”

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, told NBC Bay Area that the new subvariant, kp.3.1.1, emerged unexpectedly. While it is not more deadly than previous variants, it is more transmissible. He noted that last year saw high vaccination rates among the elderly, but this year’s lower immunization rates have led to increased cases. Chin-Hong advises that individuals aged 65 and older or those who are immunocompromised should get the new vaccine, ideally in October, to ensure peak antibody levels during the anticipated winter surge.