DENVER (KDVR) — CVS and Walgreens customers in Colorado will now need a prescription to get COVID-19 vaccines.
Colorado is one of 13 states where CVS will require prescriptions. In three states, CVS will not offer COVID-19 vaccines. Walgreens did not release a list of states with restrictions.
A spokesperson for CVS told FOX31 that the decision was based on the “current regulatory environment” and that the company was administering the vaccine in states “where legally permitted.” CVS said the list of states could change at any time. A Walgreens statement said it was “prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so.”
The Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday, but limited their use for people nationwide, also removing one of the two vaccines available for young children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet made a decision on vaccine recommendation this year. The CDC director was fired this week.
In some states, pharmacists can only administer vaccines approved by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This year, a new Colorado law directed the state board of health to take into consideration the recommendations of additional medical groups.
Walgreens told FOX31 that customers could check eligibility by scheduling an appointment online or by phone. As of Friday evening, when attempting to book an appointment in Denver, the website said a prescription was required in Colorado.
CVS said it will give the vaccine to customers with a prescription in the following states:
- Colorado
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- The District of Columbia.
CVS is not offering COVID-19 vaccines in:
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Mexico
The CVS spokesperson said, “We expect to receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days.”
The updated vaccines are said by health officials to target a newer version of the evolving virus, which is expected to be shipped soon. However, there is no current timeline and access to the vaccines is heavily dependent on decisions by federal health advisers, health insurers, pharmacies and state agencies.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
