CVS and Walgreens Update COVID-19 Vaccine Policies

CVS and Walgreens are now requiring prescriptions or are not providing COVID-19 vaccines in some states, as they aim to comply with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for seniors, but only younger adults and children with certain health conditions can receive them.

In Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico, CVS has stated that they cannot administer vaccines, even with a prescription, due to state regulations. In contrast, CVS can provide COVID-19 vaccinations in a broader list of states, including Alaska, Alabama, and California, among others. However, CVS warns that this list could change at any moment.

For the other 16 states, CVS mentions that it can give COVID-19 vaccinations depending on the patient’s age, but only if there is an authorized prescriber’s prescription.

Walgreens has also responded, indicating their readiness to offer the recently FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine in areas where they are allowed to do so.

Notably, the FDA’s termination of emergency authorization for the Pfizer vaccine for children under 5 limits options for younger kids, leaving only the Moderna vaccine available for those aged 6 months to 4 years with specific health conditions. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued new vaccine recommendations that differ from the traditional U.S. government stance for the first time in three decades.

The guidance, released on August 19, strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 2 years. However, the CDC maintains that healthy children of any age should not receive COVID-19 shots but may consult their physician for advice on vaccination.