I’m already fielding questions about the newly approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA has authorized the updated version. That’s step one. Step two usually comes from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, ACIP, which sets the vaccine schedule for the CDC. ACIP has not yet issued its formal recommendations for this updated vaccine.

Here’s why that matters. Pharmacists’ authority to independently order and administer vaccines is tied directly to ACIP recommendations. Without those recommendations in place, pharmacists may not be able to give the shot without a prescription from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

So if you’re a patient hoping to get your vaccine at the pharmacy, you may be told you need a prescription first. Some pharmacies may decide to keep requiring prescriptions even after ACIP issues its guidance, especially since the FDA’s approval for those under 65 comes with labeling restrictions that pharmacists may interpret conservatively.

For prescribers, the FDA’s labeling does not stop us from prescribing the vaccine to patients we feel will benefit. Even with some limitations around pharmacy authority, the clinical judgment of a licensed provider still stands.

In practice, this means you might see more prescription requests come across your desk in the next few weeks. Patients may call after being turned away at the pharmacy. Prepare for it. Have a clear plan for how you’ll respond.

Avoiding unnecessary delays in vaccination is the goal. DC Health has said it is working to minimize the paperwork and make access smoother for patients. In my own practice these calls tend to start around September, and patients most often ask about Walmart or Costco, both of which are efficient most of the time. As more updates come from ACIP, and as pharmacies adjust their policies, the process should get easier.

For patients, the takeaway is simple. If you’re under 65 and planning to get the updated vaccine at a pharmacy, check ahead to see if they’ll require a prescription. If they do, call your provider’s office first so you don’t make an extra trip.

For colleagues, expect to step in more actively during this transition period. We’ve been through similar rollouts before. The logistics are frustrating. Florida in particular tends to be conservative when it comes to vaccines, in my experience. Patients still need timely protection, and that’s what matters most.

Scott Rennie, D.O.
Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and Family Medicine

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always consult your own physician before making changes to your health, medications, or treatment plan.

Sources:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). COVID-19 Vaccines. www.fda.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). www.cdc.gov