CVS and Walgreens Limit COVID Vaccine Distribution in Over a Dozen States Following New FDA Guidelines

CVS and Walgreens have scaled back access to updated COVID-19 vaccines in 16 states and DC following new FDA guidelines. The guidelines limit eligibility to only seniors and high-risk groups. CVS has stopped offering the shots in three states and limited access in 13 others, while Walgreens is prepared to offer the vaccine in states where permitted. High-risk individuals can still receive the updated boosters with a prescription from an authorized provider.

CVS and Walgreens have scaled back access to updated COVID-19 vaccines in 16 states and DC following new FDA guidelines. The guidelines limit eligibility to only seniors and high-risk groups. CVS has stopped offering the shots in three states and limited access in 13 others, while Walgreens is prepared to offer the vaccine in states where permitted. High-risk individuals can still receive the updated boosters with a prescription from an authorized provider [2].

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines for fall 2025, restricting eligibility to adults aged 65 and older and individuals with at least one underlying medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness [1]. This decision reflects an ongoing shift toward targeted vaccination strategies, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) emphasizing prioritization of populations at highest risk of hospitalization and death [1].

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].

In response to the new FDA guidelines, CVS and Walgreens have adjusted their vaccination policies. CVS cannot vaccinate those even with a prescription in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico due to state laws and regulations. In the other 16 states, CVS can administer a COVID-19 vaccination, depending on the patient's age, with an authorized prescriber's prescription [2].

Walgreens, on the other hand, is prepared to offer the vaccine in states where it is permitted. 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].

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 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].

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