In a significant shift regarding COVID vaccine availability, CVS has announced that vaccines are no longer accessible at its stores in three states. Furthermore, in 13 states and the District of Columbia, vaccinations can only be obtained with a prescription from an authorized prescriber, as reported by Axios on Friday.
This change comes in the wake of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent announcement on Wednesday, which drastically reduced COVID vaccine eligibility. Many Americans are now left uncertain about how to obtain vaccinations, especially amidst the ongoing threat posed by the surging Stratus variant.
Amy Thibault, a spokesperson for CVS, clarified that due to the current regulatory environment, the pharmacy chain is now offering vaccinations in 34 states, while 13 states and Washington D.C. require prescriber authorization for access. Three states have completely barred access to vaccines. Thibault emphasized that these lists are subject to change at any time, reflecting the fluid nature of the situation.
Following RFK Jr.'s announcement, The New York Times reported that CVS and Walgreens, the two largest pharmacy chains in the United States, have restricted vaccine availability in more than a dozen states. The previous emergency use authorizations for COVID vaccines, which were instrumental in implementing broad mandates during the Biden administration, have now been rescinded, according to Kennedy's statement on X.
Despite the changes, booster shots for high-risk patients have received approval. The Department of Health and Human Services also made headlines by ousting CDC director Susan Monarez on the same day the new policies were announced. This shake-up was followed by the resignation of several top officials at the CDC, leading to a significant walkout of agency staff.
Many experts in the fields of science and medicine have criticized RFK Jr.'s recent moves regarding vaccination policy. These changes have intensified tensions between the HHS and the CDC, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding public health directives.
If you're looking to get a COVID-19 vaccine at CVS, here's the breakdown of availability:
Available Without PrescriptionCOVID-19 vaccines are available at CVS without a prescription in the following states:
Alabama Alaska Arkansas California Connecticut Delaware Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Maryland Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana Nebraska North Dakota New Hampshire New Jersey Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Vermont Washington Wisconsin WyomingAvailable With PrescriptionIn the following states, COVID-19 vaccines at CVS are available but require a prescription:
Arizona Colorado Washington, D.C. Florida Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Maine North Carolina New York Pennsylvania Utah Virginia West VirginiaUnavailable at CVSCOVID-19 vaccines are currently unavailable at CVS in:
Massachusetts Nevada New MexicoStay informed about the latest developments regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and ensure you know where and how you can receive your shots at CVS.
