Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Access in New York

New Yorkers looking to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine will now require a prescription at CVS pharmacies, officials announced on Friday.

Vaccines are anticipated to arrive at pharmacies throughout Long Island and across the state shortly. However, federal health authorities are no longer advising vaccination for all individuals over six months old.

CVS, which is the largest pharmacy chain in the U.S., indicated that in 14 states, including New York, they will provide FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines only if patients present a prescription from an authorized prescriber. This policy remains until a federal vaccine advisory panel gives further recommendations next month. A CVS spokesperson specified that this applies to those aged 65 and older.

On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration approved three updated COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 65 and above, as well as those with underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, and obesity.

For others, getting the vaccine will depend on discussions with their doctors, according to a social media post by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

It’s somewhat unclear what the guidelines will be for healthy adults under 65 and for children, especially with the respiratory virus season approaching. The months of September and October are typically when many seek out COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is set to meet on September 18-19. This committee usually plays a significant role in suggesting vaccines for the broader public and can influence whether health insurance covers the vaccine.

However, the situation at the CDC is currently tumultuous, following the recent dismissal of its director. This change has raised concerns among health professionals, particularly since Kennedy has appointed individuals who have publicly questioned vaccination efficacy.

Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, a pediatrician at Allied Physician Group’s Huntington Village Pediatrics, mentioned that she hasn’t received updates regarding changes to the vaccination process for children.

“I think we’re all waiting to see if insurance companies will cover the vaccine as guided by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends children aged 6 months to 2 years should receive the vaccine,” she noted.

Meltzer Krief also mentioned that documenting high-risk conditions like asthma might be “cumbersome and not efficient, especially given the timeline.”

Nidhin Mohan, the owner and supervising pharmacist at New Island Pharmacy in Deer Park, stated he hasn’t heard about any need for prescriptions or other restrictions, but doesn’t foresee supply issues since he can purchase directly from Pfizer and other drug manufacturers.

Walgreens, which is the second largest pharmacy chain in the country, did not respond to requests for comment.