In a significant shift in federal guidelines regarding Covid-19 vaccines, several pharmacies in Arlington are now providing vaccinations without the need for a prescription. This development comes shortly after all CVS locations in Virginia mandated a prescription for most patients seeking the latest version of the Covid-19 vaccine.
According to CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault, as of today, Virginia has been designated among the states where CVS can administer the vaccine “without a patient-specific prescription.” Thibault explained that this change is a result of recent FDA approvals and regulatory actions taken by certain states.
Thibault further elaborated, stating, “Virginia law permits a prescriber to enter a protocol arrangement that authorizes pharmacist-administered vaccinations for adults.” This means that individuals can now easily access the Covid-19 vaccine without the hassle of obtaining a prescription from a healthcare provider.
In addition to CVS, Safeway locations in the area are also promoting Covid-19 vaccinations for patients aged 18 and older, with no prescription required. An ARLnow reporter confirmed this policy by successfully receiving a vaccine at a Safeway in Falls Church this morning. A tipster informed ARLnow that all 33 Safeway locations with pharmacies in Virginia are implementing the same prescription-free policy.
As of this afternoon, Virginia residents over the age of 18 can schedule their Covid-19 vaccinations through Safeway’s website. The company emphasizes that the 2025-2026 Covid-19 vaccines are particularly recommended for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those under 65 who are at higher risk for severe Covid-19 complications.
While Safeway’s parent company, Albertsons, has not yet responded to requests for further comment, more information is expected to emerge following the upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) scheduled for September 18-19. The Virginia Department of Health indicated last week that it “anticipates that ACIP will vote on the updated COVID-19 vaccines at this meeting.”
Should the new vaccines receive approval from the CDC, pharmacists will be authorized to administer the Covid-19 vaccine. The Virginia Department of Health is encouraging residents to reach out to their healthcare providers to inquire about vaccination options or to request a prescription, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to protect themselves against Covid-19.
