CVS and Walgreens Restrict Covid Shots Amid CDC Policy Uncertainty

CVS and Walgreens have restricted Covid-19 booster shots in some states and are not supplying them in others due to unclear CDC policy. The CDC's vaccine advisory panel has not yet provided recommendations. The decision is causing confusion among the public and has raised concerns about vaccine access.

In a move that has sparked confusion and raised concerns about vaccine access, CVS and Walgreens have restricted the distribution of COVID-19 booster shots in several states. The decision comes amid unclear policy guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has yet to provide definitive recommendations on who should receive the updated vaccines.

According to new guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the updated COVID-19 vaccines are only available to adults aged 65 and older and individuals with at least one underlying medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness [1]. This shift towards targeted vaccination strategies is part of an ongoing effort to prioritize populations at highest risk of hospitalization and death.

CVS has stopped offering the shots in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico due to state laws and regulations, while limiting access in 13 other states. Walgreens, on the other hand, is prepared to offer the vaccine in states where it is permitted. High-risk individuals can still receive the updated boosters with a prescription from an authorized provider [2].

The new restrictions may affect insurance coverage for those outside the designated high-risk groups. According to the CDC’s vaccine price list, a COVID-19 dose without insurance may cost up to $140 [1]. This decision comes as Moderna’s new COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1283 (mNEXSPIKE), has shown higher efficacy in adults 65 and older compared to the original Spikevax [2].

The FDA's decision to end emergency authorization for the Pfizer vaccine for children under 5 will limit vaccine choices for younger children, leaving the Moderna vaccine as the only option for those 6 months to 4 years old with at least one health condition [2]. This has generated confusion and apprehension among the public, reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic [3].

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to weigh in soon with influential recommendations on who should get inoculated. However, the CDC has already dropped guidelines that call for all healthy children and healthy pregnant women to routinely get vaccinated [3].

The new restrictions are expected to make it harder for many people, such as healthy children and healthy younger adults, to get a shot ahead of the expected winter COVID surge. This has generated confusion and apprehension among the public, reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic [3].

The decision to limit access to COVID-19 boosters has raised concerns about vaccine equity and accessibility. Some medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have objected to the new limits, saying they may block vaccine access for families who want to protect their children [2].

References:
[1] FDA approves fall Covid shots, but with new restrictions. August 27, 2025. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-approves-fall-covid-shots-new-restrictions-rfk-jr-rcna227569
[2] CVS and Walgreens limit access to COVID-19 vaccines in some states. August 29, 2025. Accessed August 29, 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/cvs-walgreens-limit-access-covid-vaccines-required-state-guidelines/
[3] FDA COVID vaccines restricted. August 27, 2025. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/27/nx-s1-5515503/fda-covid-vaccines-restricted