Overview

• CVS said updated COVID vaccines are not available in 16 states and D.C., though the chain now plans to administer them in most of those places with a physician’s prescription, according to spokesperson Amy Thibault.
• Walgreens’ scheduling site indicated prescriptions are required in multiple states, with reporters finding that requirement in 16 states and Colorado specifically confirming a prescription rule at both chains.
• The FDA authorized reformulated shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax for people 65 and older and for younger individuals with qualifying health conditions.
• ACIP has not issued a new recommendation and is not scheduled to meet for several weeks, creating legal and operational uncertainty for pharmacists in states that tie vaccine authority to ACIP guidance.
• Because pharmacies delivered a large share of COVID vaccinations in prior seasons, experts warn these restrictions are likely to reduce access and could further depress uptake heading into respiratory virus season.