Introduction to COVID-19 Vaccine Access
The governors of Arizona and Maine 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.
By GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press
Pharmacy Chain Policy on COVID-19 Vaccines
CVS Health, the biggest pharmacy chain in the U.S., says its stores are offering the shots without an individual prescription in 41 states 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 and Maine 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.”
A sign advertises seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines at a CVS Pharmacy in Miami, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Actions Taken by Democratic Governors
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 this week — at least some pharmacies were already providing the shots broadly.
But in Arizona and Maine, Friday’s orders are expected to change the policy.
While most Republican-controlled states have not changed vaccine policy this month, the inoculations are still available there under existing policies.
Vaccine Recommendations and Access
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.
Politics and COVID-19 Vaccines
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 of 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.
Alternative 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.
Associated Press writer Patrick Whittle in Maine contributed to this report.
Originally Published
Originally Published: September 12, 2025 at 3:24 PM EDT
Conclusion
The access to COVID-19 vaccines has become complicated in 2025 due to changes in federal guidance. However, many states are taking steps to ease access to these vaccines, especially for those who are at high risk. It is essential for individuals to stay informed about the vaccine policies in their state and to consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
FAQs
Q: Which states require individual prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines?
A: 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.
Q: How many states have announced policies to ease access to COVID-19 vaccines?
A: At least 14 states — 12 with Democratic governors, plus Virginia, where Republican Glenn Youngkin is governor — have announced policies this month to ease access.
Q: What is the federal government’s recommendation for COVID-19 vaccines?
A: 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.
Q: Which states have announced an alliance to make their own vaccine recommendations?
A: Four states — California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington — have announced an alliance to make their own vaccine recommendations.
