COVID-19 Vaccines: Access and Availability
The governors of Arizona, Illinois, Maine, and North Carolina on Friday joined the growing list of Democratic officials who have signed orders intended to ensure most residents can receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without individual prescriptions.
Unlike past years, access to COVID-19 vaccines has become complicated in 2025, largely because federal guidance does not recommend them for nearly everyone this year as it had in the past.
Here’s a look at where things stand.
Most States Don’t Require Individual Prescriptions
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CVS Health, the biggest pharmacy chain in the U.S., says its stores are offering the shots without an individual prescription in 41 states, including Texas, as of midday Friday.
But the remaining states — Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, and West Virginia, plus the District of Columbia — require individual prescriptions under the company’s interpretation of state policies.
Arizona, Maine, and North Carolina are likely to come off that list as the new orders take effect there.
“I will not stand idly by while the Trump Administration makes it harder for Maine people to get a vaccine that protects their health and could very well save their life,” Maine Gov. Janet Mills said in the statement. “Through this standing order, we are stepping up to knock down the barriers the Trump Administration is putting in the way of the health and welfare of Maine people.”
Democratic Governors Have Been Taking Action
At least 14 states — 12 with Democratic governors, plus Virginia, where Republican Glenn Youngkin is governor — have announced policies this month to ease access.
In some of the states that have expanded access — including Delaware and New Jersey earlier in the week and Illinois on Friday — at least some pharmacies were already providing the shots broadly.
Friday’s orders are expected to change the policy in all three states where they were put into place.
North Carolina’s orders were narrower than most. They apply to everyone age 65 and over and people who are at least 18 and have a risk factor. Other adults would still need prescriptions. Officials said the order takes effect immediately, but that all pharmacies might not have supplies on hand right away.
While most Republican-controlled states have not changed vaccine policy this month, the inoculations are still available there under existing policies.
In addition to the round of orders from governors, boards of pharmacy and other officials, four states — California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington — have announced an alliance to make their own vaccine recommendations. Of those, only Oregon doesn’t currently allow the shots in pharmacies without individual prescriptions.
Vaccines Have Become Politically Contentious
In past years, the federal government has recommended the vaccines to all Americans above the age of 6 months.
This year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved them for people age 65 and over but said they should be used only for children and younger adults who have a risk factor such as asthma or obesity.
That change came as U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy fired the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in June, accusing them of being too closely aligned with the companies that make the vaccines. The replacements include vaccine skeptics.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, framed her order Friday as “protecting the health care freedom” of people in the state.
One State Has Taken Another Stance on Vaccines
Florida’s surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, announced this month that the state could become the first to eliminate requirements that children have a list of vaccinations.
Since then, though, the state health department said that the change likely wouldn’t take effect until December and that without legislative action, only some vaccines — including for chickenpox — would become optional. The measles and polio shots would remain mandatory.
By GEOFF MULVIHILL, The Associated Press
Conclusion
The COVID-19 vaccine landscape has become increasingly complex, with varying policies across states and a shift in federal guidance. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for individuals to stay informed about the latest developments and to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: It depends on the state you live in. Currently, 41 states, including Texas, allow pharmacies to offer COVID-19 vaccines without individual prescriptions. However, some states require prescriptions, and policies are subject to change.
Q: Which states have eased access to COVID-19 vaccines?
A: At least 14 states, including 12 with Democratic governors and Virginia, have announced policies to ease access to COVID-19 vaccines. These states include Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois, and others.
Q: What is the federal guidance on COVID-19 vaccines?
A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved COVID-19 vaccines for people age 65 and over and for children and younger adults with risk factors such as asthma or obesity. However, the federal government no longer recommends vaccines for all Americans above the age of 6 months.
Q: Are COVID-19 vaccines still available in Republican-controlled states?
A: Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are still available in Republican-controlled states, although the policies may not have changed this month. Individuals can consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their specific needs.
