CVS Agrees To Address Accessibility Issues In COVID-19 Vaccine Portal

WOONSOCKET, RI — CVS Pharmacy did not offer accessibility accommodations in its online vaccine portal, according to a settlement announced by the Department of Justice Monday. Customers seeking COVID-19, influenza and other vaccinations from the Rhode Island-based pharmacy giant could not use a screen reader, the DOJ said.

The federal Americans With Disabilities Act requires that businesses including pharmacies and grocery stores provide people with disabilities "full and equal enjoyment of goods and services," as well as communication aids for those who need them.

The DOJ and Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha investigated the Woonsocket company and determined that the vaccine registration portal was not fully accessible to people who have trouble using a mouse or need a screen reader, Cunha's Office said in a release. At the beginning of the scheduling process, the different types of vaccinations offered — COVID-19, influenza, pneumonia, and so forth — were not read by the screen reader, and in a later step all appointments were read as "checked" by the screen reader, even if they were available. Users who used the "tab" key instead of clicking through with a mouse were unable to get past the insurance page, the release continued.

"While web accessibility is always important, when it comes to critical health services like COVID-19 vaccination, making sure that everyone—regardless of disability—can access information and care is essential," Cunha said. "This Office is committed to vigorously enforcing the ADA to eliminate unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of lifesaving care."

In the settlement, CVS agreed to update its COVID-19 vaccine website to meet accessibility guidelines, as well as regularly test the pages to catch any future issues.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, a member of the DOJ's civil rights division, said that websites must be accessible for people with disabilities seeking necessary care and services.

"We are working aggressively to identify and remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from privately and independently securing potentially life-saving COVID-19 vaccines," Clarke said. "We will continue to work towards the ADA’s promise of equal access during the ongoing global pandemic."

CVS is the country's largest retail pharmacy, with about 10,000 locations across the United States.

This article originally appeared on the Cranston Patch