New Yorkers looking to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine at CVS pharmacies will now need a prescription, according to officials' announcements made on Friday. This change comes as the updated vaccines are slated for delivery to pharmacies throughout Long Island and the state in the coming days. However, it is important to note that federal health authorities are no longer recommending these vaccines for everyone over six months old.
CVS, recognized as the nation's largest pharmacy chain, stated in a recent press release that they will administer the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines to patients in 14 states, including New York, provided they present a prescription from an authorized prescriber. This policy will remain in effect until a federal vaccine advisory panel issues its recommendations next month. Notably, this requirement primarily applies to individuals over the age of 65, as specified by a CVS spokeswoman in an email communication.
On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted authorization for three updated COVID-19 vaccines specifically for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, and obesity. For others wishing to receive the vaccine, it is advisable to consult their healthcare providers. This information was shared in a social media post by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, the implications for healthy adults under the age of 65 and children remain unclear as the respiratory virus season approaches.
September and October are critical months for receiving both the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to convene on September 18-19. This panel typically provides recommendations on vaccines for the general public, influencing whether health insurance companies will cover the cost of the vaccine.
The recent upheaval at the CDC, including the firing of its latest director, may also affect vaccination policies. Health professionals voiced concerns back in June when Kennedy dismissed all members of the ACIP and replaced them with appointees known for their skeptical views on vaccines. Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, a pediatrician at Allied Physician Group’s Huntington Village Pediatrics, has yet to receive any updates regarding changes to vaccine delivery for children. She noted, "We are waiting to see if insurance companies will cover the vaccine according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidance recommending that children aged 6 months to 2 years receive the vaccine."
Dr. Meltzer Krief highlighted that documenting high-risk conditions like asthma could prove to be cumbersome and inefficient, particularly at this late stage of the vaccination rollout. Meanwhile, Nidhin Mohan, the owner and supervising pharmacist at New Island Pharmacy in Deer Park, mentioned that he has not heard about the prescription requirement or any restrictions but does not anticipate issues with vaccine supply since he can order directly from Pfizer and other pharmaceutical firms.
As the nation’s second-largest pharmacy chain, Walgreens has not yet responded to inquiries regarding their stance on the recent prescription requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine. As the situation continues to evolve, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official health channels and consult with their healthcare providers for guidance on vaccination.
