CVS, Walgreens scale back COVID-19 vaccine availability

CVS and Walgreens are set to require a prescription or not offer COVID-19 vaccines in certain states, in a move to follow guidelines that call for approvals from the CDC, CBS News reported Aug. 29. 

CVS told the news outlet the chain is not allowed to vaccinate individuals even with a prescription in Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico due to state laws. There are 34 states in which CVS said it can administer the vaccine without a prescription; in the remaining 16 states, the company said it can provide the vaccine depending on the patient’s age if there is a prescription from an authorized provider. 

Walgreens, meanwhile, said in a statement to CBS News it is “prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so.” 

The FDA decision to withdraw emergency use for the Pfizer vaccine in children younger than 5 leaves Moderna’s vaccine as the sole option for individuals 6 months to 4 years old who have at least one health condition. 

On Aug. 19, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued vaccine guidance that for the first time in three decades diverged from federal recommendations. In the guidance, the organization said it is “strongly recommending” COVID-19 vaccinations for children 6 months to 2 years old, whereas the CDC said kids may get the vaccination from consultation with a physician. 

The Infectious Diseases Society of America reaffirmed support for the COVID-19 vaccine as a crucial tool to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death and said the narrow approvals could increase risk. 

“The scientific evidence continues to strongly support broad vaccination far beyond the limited populations outlined in the Food and Drug Administration’s new label,” Tina Tan, MD, president of IDSA, said in a statement. “By narrowing its approval, FDA has made a decision that completely contradicts the evidence base, severely undermines trust in science-driven policy and dangerously limits vaccine access, removing millions of Americans’ choice to be protected and increasing the risk of severe outcomes from COVID.”

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