COVID-19 Boosters More Accessible in Florida

Starting Tuesday, it’s becoming easier to get the updated COVID-19 boosters in Florida. Publix and Walgreens pharmacies will begin offering the 2025-26 vaccines to eligible patients without needing a prescription. This comes after CVS and CVS Minute Clinic had already been providing these shots, but required a prescription at that time.

Brigid Sweeney, a spokesperson for Walgreens, mentioned that their locations in Florida are well-stocked with booster shots. Customers can schedule appointments through their online portal.

“In line with FDA approval, we’re offering the vaccine to all adults 65 and older, as well as those under 65 who face higher risks for severe outcomes from COVID-19, based on CDC guidelines,” Sweeney explained.

This allows anyone 65 and older to get vaccinated, along with younger individuals who have at least one underlying condition that increases their risk for more severe effects from COVID-19.

“Publix pharmacies have started accepting walk-ins for eligible patients, and we’ll offer appointments starting later today for as early as tomorrow,” said Lindsey Willis, a spokesperson for Publix. They have around 800 pharmacy locations throughout Florida.

Both CVS and Walgreens representatives mentioned that they will ask patients under 65 about risk factors but won’t require any proof. “In simple terms, if a patient claims they’re eligible, they will receive the vaccine,” said Amy Thibault, a representative from CVS Health.

Good news is on the horizon, as any restrictions on vaccinations are expected to be lifted soon. This comes after many Floridians faced frustration over access to the latest COVID booster.

On Friday, vaccine advisors selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not explicitly recommend the shots, but they indicated that individuals could decide for themselves whether to receive them.

The recommendations from these advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention need approval from the agency’s director, but are typically endorsed.

“Once the acting CDC director approves the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)’s recent suggestions, Walgreens will start offering the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines nationwide, including in Florida, for individuals three years and up — no prescription necessary,” Sweeney stated.

Walgreens operates around 1,600 pharmacies in Florida, with some locations providing Moderna shots and others offering Pfizer.

Many people tend to seek vaccinations in late summer or early fall, as they want protection against potential winter surges in cases, or for travel-related safety, like on cruises.

Previously, CVS was the sole major retail pharmacy in the state providing the 2025-2026 COVID boosters, requiring patients to either be 65 or older or at risk for severe outcomes — along with needing a prescription. The CVS MinuteClinic also administered vaccines but required a prescription from its nurse practitioners. Some CVS locations carry Moderna, while others have Pfizer.

Thibault mentioned that most insurance plans cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost for eligible patients. “Patients should verify with their insurer whether the updated vaccine is covered by their health plan,” she added.

It looks like most insurance providers will cover the cost of the booster through at least 2026. The Department of Health and Human Services recently confirmed that the committee’s decision “ensures immunization coverage through all payment channels.” This includes Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and coverage available through health insurance marketplaces.

The Vaccines for Children program usually covers any vaccines that are recommended by the CDC’s committee.

Earlier this week, the trade group America’s Health Insurance Plans indicated that its members would continue to provide vaccines at no cost to patients through 2026. This encompasses all major insurers except for UnitedHealthcare, which stated it would still cover the vaccine at no cost for its standard commercial coverage.

Employers with their own insurance plans will decide on their approach to the vaccines independently.

Data presented to the CDC vaccine committee suggests that about two-thirds of adults receive COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies, while around 30% opt for their doctors’ offices.

Prior to this season, the recommendation was for annual COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older.