Overview

• FDA cleared the 2025–2026 COVID vaccines only for adults 65 and older and for younger people with specified high‑risk conditions, and healthy children under 5 lost authorization.
• CVS says it is not offering COVID vaccinations in 16 jurisdictions because of the current regulatory environment, though the company will proceed where legally allowed and as supply arrives.
• Separately, CVS says vaccinations will require a prescription in 13 states and remain unavailable in three others (Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico), while Walgreens lists prescription requirements in Colorado and many additional states.
• Many states restrict pharmacists to vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is not slated to meet until late September, leaving pharmacies and patients in limbo.
• Insurers are awaiting ACIP/CDC guidance before finalizing coverage—especially for off‑label prescriptions—while some states, including Illinois and a coalition led by Massachusetts, are weighing direct purchases to maintain access.