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Utah Lets Pharmacists Give 2025–26 COVID-19 Shots Without Prescriptions

The temporary authorization fills a gap created by conflicting FDA and ACIP guidance until the CDC sets national policy.

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A patient receives a vaccination from public health nurse Donna Nicholson at the Salt Lake Public Health Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.

Overview

  • State regulators said pharmacists may now prescribe and administer the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine without individual prescriptions across Utah.
  • The Division of Professional Licensing stated the policy will end once the CDC adopts, modifies, or rejects ACIP’s product‑specific recommendations.
  • County clinics begin offering boosters Oct. 1; Salt Lake County requires an attestation of an underlying condition for ages 6 months to 64, while those 65 and older can request a dose without attestation.
  • The FDA limited approval to adults 65 and older and younger people with qualifying risks, whereas ACIP endorsed broader, prescription‑free vaccination using shared decision‑making.
  • CVS plans to vaccinate without a prescription and Walgreens will vaccinate anyone 6 months and older after a pharmacist consultation, though some pharmacies report delayed supply and county clinics list out‑of‑pocket costs of $105 to $158.