Changes in COVID-19 Vaccine Accessibility at CVS

New Yorkers hoping to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine will now need a prescription when visiting CVS pharmacies, as announced by officials recently.

Vaccines are anticipated to arrive at pharmacies across Long Island and the state shortly, but federal health authorities have shifted their guidance and are no longer recommending the vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older.

CVS, which is the largest pharmacy chain in the U.S., stated that in 14 states—including New York—it will provide FDA-authorized vaccinations to patients who can show a prescription from an authorized prescriber. This policy remains in place until a federal advisory panel issues recommendations next month, particularly affecting those over 65, as noted by a CVS spokesperson via email.

This past Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration approved three updated COVID-19 vaccines specifically for individuals aged 65 and older and for those with underlying health issues like high blood pressure, asthma, and obesity.

Others wishing to receive the vaccine will need to first consult with their doctors, according to a social media update from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The situation remains unclear for healthy adults under 65 and children, particularly with the respiratory virus season fast approaching. Traditionally, September and October are key months for receiving both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is set to convene on September 18-19. This panel typically makes crucial recommendations that can influence whether health insurance plans will cover the vaccine costs.

However, the turmoil currently experienced at the CDC, following the dismissal of its director, might affect these recommendations. Health professionals expressed concern earlier in June when Kennedy, a noted critic of vaccines, replaced all ACIP members with appointees who have also raised doubts about vaccines.

Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, a pediatrician at Allied Physician Group’s Huntington Village Pediatrics, mentioned she hasn’t received updates regarding changes to how vaccines will be administered to children.

“I think we’re all just kind of waiting to see if insurance will cover the vaccine as per American Academy of Pediatrics guidance, which recommends vaccination for kids aged 6 months to 2 years,” she said.

She added that documenting conditions like asthma for high-risk patients could be “cumbersome and not efficient, especially at this late stage.”

Nidhin Mohan, the owner and supervising pharmacist at New Island Pharmacy in Deer Park, noted he hasn’t yet been informed about the prescription requirement or other restrictions but is not expecting supply issues, as he can order directly from Pfizer and other manufacturers.

Walgreens, the second-largest pharmacy chain in the nation, did not respond to requests for comment.