The COVID-19 vaccine is set to change, but Americans may face new obstacles getting vaccinated this fall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it will only approve updated vaccines for individuals 65 and older, as well as those at high risk of severe disease.
Pharmacists’ authority to vaccinate varies by state, with some states relying on federal health officials’ recommendations. However, the FDA’s new vaccine formula has disrupted this process. Without clear guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions may struggle to access vaccines.
At least 18 states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, are impacted by the change. Residents in these areas may need to prove they qualify for the vaccine, and pharmacists may not be authorized to vaccinate them without official CDC recommendations.
To address this issue, pharmacy groups are urging governors to sign executive orders allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines even if the CDC hasn’t officially recommended it. Experts warn that this could lead to hospitalizations and deaths among vulnerable populations.
The FDA’s decision also affects younger people who want a COVID-19 vaccine this fall. Those under 65 may need to show underlying conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, to qualify for the shot. Healthy individuals without these conditions may need to seek off-label prescriptions from doctors, which can be complex and time-consuming.
Medical associations are taking steps to provide alternative guidance on vaccine eligibility. The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its own schedule, highlighting differences from the CDC’s version. Pharmacy groups are developing “guiding principles” to help pharmacists administer vaccines in jurisdictions relying on CDC recommendations.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Americans can expect more challenges accessing vaccines. Pharmacists will remain a trusted resource for vaccine uptake this fall, even if it means encouraging patients to make multiple trips or send them to doctors’ offices for prescriptions.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/22/covid-shot-hhs-recommendations-fall-00519315