Pharmacies Limit Covid Vaccine Access Following FDA Rule Change

Pharmacies CVS and Walgreens are scaling back access to updated Covid vaccines in multiple states following the FDA's new guidelines. CVS has paused vaccine services in three states and limited access in 13 others, while Walgreens has halted vaccination appointments. The FDA's new rules restrict eligibility to seniors 65 and older and high-risk younger adults with certain health conditions. Pharmacies are adjusting their protocols to align with these restrictions.

Pharmacies CVS and Walgreens have scaled back access to updated COVID-19 vaccines in multiple states following new guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has restricted eligibility to seniors aged 65 and older and high-risk younger adults with certain health conditions.

CVS has paused vaccine services in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico due to state laws and regulations. In the remaining 16 states, CVS can administer the vaccine to eligible individuals with a prescription from an authorized provider. Walgreens, on the other hand, is prepared to offer the vaccine in states where permitted.

The FDA's decision reflects an ongoing shift toward targeted vaccination strategies, prioritizing populations at highest risk of hospitalization and death. This new approach may affect insurance coverage for those outside the designated high-risk groups, with a COVID-19 dose potentially costing up to $140 without insurance.

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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to weigh in soon with influential recommendations on who should get inoculated.

References:
[1] https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-approves-fall-covid-shots-new-restrictions-rfk-jr-rcna227569
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/cvs-walgreens-limit-access-covid-vaccines-required-state-guidelines/