Adults in Virginia should have an easier time getting a COVID-19 vaccine after the Virginia Department of Health issued a standing order on Wednesday authorizing pharmacies to administer the 2025-26 version.
Recent federal guidance caused confusion across the board – with pharmacists unsure if they were permitted to administer the vaccine to anyone, regardless of a doctor’s prescription.
Some Sentara providers halted COVID-19 vaccine prescriptions due to an internal document that suggested “waiting until the CDC finalizes its clinical recommendations.”
The FDA recently revoked the emergency-use authorization that allowed patients to walk in and receive the shot without a doctor’s prescription.
Virginia Commissioner of Health Karen Shelton released a four-page document approving the use of four vaccines to anyone ages 65 or older, or anyone age 18-64 with at least one underlying condition.
“We realize this has been top of mind for many Virginians in the past several days,” Shelton said.
“We are resolved to increase access to the updated formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Virginians.”
Patients between the ages of 18 and 64 without underlying health conditions, as well as those under 18, should speak with their healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the release.
The order should clear the way for pharmacies to resume offering the vaccine immediately, and until further notice.
ICYMI
A recommendation is expected by the CDC when its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meets Sept. 18-19.
For the week ending Sept. 6, there were 1,379 people diagnosed with COVID-19 at state emergency departments. For the week ending Aug. 23, three deaths were reported in Virginia due to COVID, according to an online dashboard.
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Crystal Graham
