Latest Breaking News

lostincalifornia

(4,456 posts) Fri Aug 29, 2025, 03:42 PM Aug 29

States where you can get a COVID vaccine at CVS following RFK Jr. changes

Source: Axios

"COVID vaccines are no longer available at CVS stores in three states and available only with an authorized prescriber's prescription in 14 states, CVS told Axios on Friday.

Why it matters: Following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s major curtailing of COVID vaccine eligibility on Wednesday, many Americans are left confused about whether and how they'll be able to get shots amid a surging "stratus" variant.

Driving the news: Amy Thibault, a spokesperson for CVS, said the "current regulatory environment" means that CVS is offering vaccinations in 34 states, offering them only with prescriber authorization in 13 others and the District of Columbia, and completely barring access in three.

Those lists "may change at any time," Thibault said.
Following RFK Jr.'s announcement, The New York Times reported that CVS and Walgreens, the country's two largest pharmacies, restricted vaccines in more than a dozen states.
Catch up quick: "The emergency use authorizations for Covid vaccines, once used to justify broad mandates on the general public during the Biden administration, are now rescinded," Kennedy wrote on X.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/cvs-covid-vaccines-kennedy-rfk

"COVID-19 vaccines are available at CVS without a prescription
Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Iowa
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
North Dakota
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming"

COVID-19 vaccines are available at CVS depending on age, with a prescription
Arizona
Colorado
Washington, D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
North Carolina
New York
Pennsylvania
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia

COVID-19 vaccines are unavailable at CVS at all
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Mexico"

https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/cvs-covid-vaccines-kennedy-rfk

39 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

States where you can get a COVID vaccine at CVS following RFK Jr. changes (Original Post) lostincalifornia Aug 29 OP

HOW is it that a NUTCASE like RFK Jr can override doctors and scientists Skittles Aug 29 #1

Wait a second... NCDem47 Aug 29 #2

It is total chaos. What will happen is millions will be unvaccinated because the process of getting a prescription lostincalifornia Aug 29 #4

That is really fouled up. /nt bucolic_frolic Aug 29 #3

I would use a different word, but yes. lostincalifornia Aug 29 #5

We got flu and covid last week at CVS in Florida. Sancho Aug 29 #6

I spent an hour + this morning dweller Aug 29 #7

If you have a Costco in driving distance, call their pharmacy. You don't need to be a member... Hekate Aug 30 #23

Thanks dweller Aug 30 #28

What a shit show. How is this not going to increase the death toll? This is deliberate murder. Blues Heron Aug 29 #8

This is how Trump gets seniors off Social Security early.(NT) The Wizard Aug 29 #15

So, my state is a no go. sheshe2 Aug 29 #9

Is there a neighboring state which doesn't have restrictions you can go to? I gather it is not just a matter lostincalifornia Aug 29 #10

I am in the 65 and older group, I shouldn't even need a script. sheshe2 Aug 29 #11

no you shouldn't need a script, and you are not alone. Just stay safe. lostincalifornia Aug 29 #12

I was at my nieces wedding this past weekend. sheshe2 Aug 29 #13

My son came down with it on Sunday. LeftInTX Aug 29 #21

I noticed on their list of approved diseases to receive covid injection, being travelingthrulife Aug 30 #27

As I recommended above, if there's a Costco w/in driving distance, call their pharmacy... Hekate Aug 30 #24

I tested the CVS online scheduling here in California, and it rejected me for not meeting petronius Aug 29 #14

You can thank RFK jr for that one. Get a Rx from your primary care, and they will honor it, and your insurance lostincalifornia Aug 29 #17

I have the good fortune to live in a "no script needed" state. ShazzieB Aug 30 #31

Thank you for the info. I just called my prim care doctor BigmanPigman Aug 29 #16

thanks for list riversedge Aug 29 #18

Why Massachusetts? cab67 Aug 29 #19

I got Covid, Shingles and Flu today in Texas. Hell with waiting for the new booster! I don't trust them at all. LeftInTX Aug 29 #20

CVS LA told me it's coming in September BidenRocks Aug 30 #22

Walmart I_UndergroundPanther Aug 30 #34

You may not need another pneumonia shot. BidenRocks Aug 30 #35

Archive link, no pay wall... littlemissmartypants Aug 30 #25

FUCK Kennedy with a ten ft cactus, full of really long sharp thorns. lark Aug 30 #26

Everyone needs to get on SM and call CVS a "murdering scumbag". LeftInTX Aug 30 #29

No NM? WTH? Clouds Passing Aug 30 #30

I had it about a month ago. ificandream Aug 30 #32

If you're under 65 and don't have a preexisting condition, you're out of luck everywhere NickB79 Aug 30 #33

Got one in Wisconsin at CVS today with my flu shot truthisfreedom Aug 30 #36

How are TEXAS and ALABAMA EllieBC Aug 31 #37

I tried to book an appointment... róisín_dubh Aug 31 #38

New Mexico lindalou65 Aug 31 #39

Skittles

(167,406 posts)

1. HOW is it that a NUTCASE like RFK Jr can override doctors and scientists

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 03:44 PM

Aug 29

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON IN AMERICA

NCDem47

(3,011 posts)

2. Wait a second...

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 03:50 PM

Aug 29

No prescription in Alabama, but barred in Massachusetts?

That's upside down world right there.

lostincalifornia

(4,456 posts)

4. It is total chaos. What will happen is millions will be unvaccinated because the process of getting a prescription

Reply to NCDem47 (Reply #2)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 03:53 PM

Aug 29

will be too cumbersome for some.

Welcome to the world of trump and rfk jr.

bucolic_frolic

(52,399 posts)

3. That is really fouled up. /nt

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 03:52 PM

Aug 29

lostincalifornia

(4,456 posts)

5. I would use a different word, but yes.

Reply to bucolic_frolic (Reply #3)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 03:55 PM

Aug 29

Sancho

(9,163 posts)

6. We got flu and covid last week at CVS in Florida.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 04:01 PM

Aug 29

CVS in Florida and NC are advertising, Costco too.

Are they ignoring the CDC? I hope so.

dweller

(27,107 posts)

7. I spent an hour + this morning

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 04:05 PM

Aug 29

Searching online in NC to find a Covid vax . Can’t get a straight answer anywhere .
CVS site never mentions prescription, just says walk in to minute clinic .
County health dept has a search for pharmacies that search by zip and it just spins and shows no results .
Checked the hospital through mychart and it has no options , search shows no results for Covid vaccinations .
CDC site has search by zip that results in “ enter valid 5 digit zip code “
I tried 5 zips , same result each time
I give up .

✌🏻

Hekate

(99,410 posts)

23. If you have a Costco in driving distance, call their pharmacy. You don't need to be a member...

Reply to dweller (Reply #7)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 02:29 AM

Aug 30

...to use the pharmacy.

dweller

(27,107 posts)

28. Thanks

Reply to Hekate (Reply #23)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 08:45 AM

Aug 30

Last edited Sat Aug 30, 2025, 12:29 PM - Edit history (1)

Not sure but I’ll check
Edit:
Checked nearest Costco and it has norovax but requires prescription
Still checking with cvs , going by to ask in person

✌🏻

Blues Heron

(7,554 posts)

8. What a shit show. How is this not going to increase the death toll? This is deliberate murder.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 04:13 PM

Aug 29

The Wizard

(13,390 posts)

15. This is how Trump gets seniors off Social Security early.(NT)

Reply to Blues Heron (Reply #8)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 06:37 PM

Aug 29

sheshe2

(93,740 posts)

9. So, my state is a no go.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 05:51 PM

Aug 29

I just went on vaccines.gov for info and they aren't working. Oh well, I start looking for a plot somewhere.

lostincalifornia

(4,456 posts)

10. Is there a neighboring state which doesn't have restrictions you can go to? I gather it is not just a matter

Reply to sheshe2 (Reply #9)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 05:57 PM

Aug 29

of getting a prescription from your Doctor.

The only other alternative is hope they can resolve this circus, and mask up.

sheshe2

(93,740 posts)

11. I am in the 65 and older group, I shouldn't even need a script.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Reply #10)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 06:10 PM

Aug 29

Some sites I go on say it is no problem, but CVS and Walgreens are a no according to the newest info.
This is on Wagreens site:

COVID-19 vaccination appointments are currently unavailable pending approval of updated vaccines for 2025-2026.
Once the new vaccines are approved, appointments will be available again. Check back soon.

CVS seems not to have changed their site:

Free COVID-19 vaccines with most insurance
COVID-19 vaccines are available now. Age and other restrictions apply.* Free with most insurance.*

lostincalifornia

(4,456 posts)

12. no you shouldn't need a script, and you are not alone. Just stay safe.

Reply to sheshe2 (Reply #11)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 06:16 PM

Aug 29

sheshe2

(93,740 posts)

13. I was at my nieces wedding this past weekend.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Reply #12)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 06:19 PM

Aug 29

Two of my other nieces came down with COVID a day after we came home.

LeftInTX

(33,902 posts)

21. My son came down with it on Sunday.

Reply to sheshe2 (Reply #13)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 11:42 PM

Aug 29

travelingthrulife

(3,243 posts)

27. I noticed on their list of approved diseases to receive covid injection, being

Reply to sheshe2 (Reply #11)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 08:45 AM

Aug 30

elderly was no longer on the list.

What an unnecessary shit-show!

Hekate

(99,410 posts)

24. As I recommended above, if there's a Costco w/in driving distance, call their pharmacy...

Reply to sheshe2 (Reply #9)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 02:31 AM

Aug 30

You don’t have to be a member to use their pharmacy.

petronius

(26,689 posts)

14. I tested the CVS online scheduling here in California, and it rejected me for not meeting

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 06:21 PM

Aug 29

the qualifications (I'm 55, no major risk factors).

On edit: just looked again, and the drop-down of CDC risk factors includes BMI over 25. So maybe I have a loophole...

lostincalifornia

(4,456 posts)

17. You can thank RFK jr for that one. Get a Rx from your primary care, and they will honor it, and your insurance

Reply to petronius (Reply #14)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 07:27 PM

Aug 29

should pay for it.

The new rule is you need to be 65 or older to qualify without a prescription from your Doctor.

It is putting everyone at risk.

ShazzieB

(21,602 posts)

31. I have the good fortune to live in a "no script needed" state.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Reply #17)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 12:21 PM

Aug 30

Bullet dodged. For now.

BigmanPigman

(53,752 posts)

16. Thank you for the info. I just called my prim care doctor

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 07:25 PM

Aug 29

and left a message this morning asking him if I need him to give me an Rx.

riversedge

(77,764 posts)

18. thanks for list

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 09:52 PM

Aug 29

cab67

(3,480 posts)

19. Why Massachusetts?

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 10:48 PM

Aug 29

LeftInTX

(33,902 posts)

20. I got Covid, Shingles and Flu today in Texas. Hell with waiting for the new booster! I don't trust them at all.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Fri Aug 29, 2025, 11:34 PM

Aug 29

My arms are sore as hell....

I figured there was gonna be a rush on them if I waited another day.

I went to HEB. I scheduled my appointment last night, and they had appointments all day long! I was the only one there when I was there. I had to wait awhile because they were busy in the pharmacy, they made me wait 15 minutes afterwards because I had three shots. I did not see anyone else come into the immunization room besides myself for 1/2 hour.

____________________

This is what I get when I plug into CVS

Next availability is on 09/05/2025
Visits are popular in your area so you’ll see times on the next available date.

BidenRocks

(2,194 posts)

22. CVS LA told me it's coming in September

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 12:27 AM

Aug 30

I got the flu shot since I was there.

I_UndergroundPanther

(13,241 posts)

34. Walmart

Reply to BidenRocks (Reply #22)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 07:25 PM

Aug 30

In Abingdon said it would be ready in September. I’m going to get my flu the next pnumonia and Covid all at once because who knows it could change and I would miss one . Probably will be feeling sucky one or two days. But it’s worth it

BidenRocks

(2,194 posts)

35. You may not need another pneumonia shot.

Reply to I_UndergroundPanther (Reply #34)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 07:37 PM

Aug 30

I would ask if you need it if you've had one in the past few years.

One new Covid and I'm shot up!

littlemissmartypants

(29,747 posts)

25. Archive link, no pay wall...

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 04:07 AM

Aug 30

https://archive.ph/Qpoue

States where you can get a COVID vaccine at CVS following RFK Jr. changes
Source: Axios

lark

(25,446 posts)

26. FUCK Kennedy with a ten ft cactus, full of really long sharp thorns.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 07:47 AM

Aug 30

Sucks that I have to get a prescription first when I'm 73. Grrrr to the freaking Americans killing asshole, he an krasnov surely need a large dose of karma.

LeftInTX

(33,902 posts)

29. Everyone needs to get on SM and call CVS a "murdering scumbag".

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 09:18 AM

Aug 30

Clouds Passing

(5,787 posts)

30. No NM? WTH?

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 11:14 AM

Aug 30

ificandream

(11,360 posts)

32. I had it about a month ago.

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 02:11 PM

Aug 30

Fortunately, I recently had a booster. Still, it was not a fun five days. (FYI, I'm over 70.)

NickB79

(20,104 posts)

33. If you're under 65 and don't have a preexisting condition, you're out of luck everywhere

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 02:45 PM

Aug 30

I'm 45, no health problems, not on any meds. The new recommendations disqualify me from a shit covered by insurance.

Apparently I'm TOO healthy to get my COVID shot 🤦

truthisfreedom

(23,468 posts)

36. Got one in Wisconsin at CVS today with my flu shot

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat Aug 30, 2025, 08:54 PM

Aug 30

No problem, no charge.

EllieBC

(3,560 posts)

37. How are TEXAS and ALABAMA

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sun Aug 31, 2025, 01:12 AM

Aug 31

available w/o prescription but 1) NY requires one and has possible age restrictions and 2) Massachusetts is straight up a no??

róisín_dubh

(12,123 posts)

38. I tried to book an appointment...

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sun Aug 31, 2025, 06:20 PM

Aug 31

In PA, as I’m over from the UK visiting family. I have a basic Obamacare policy to cover these things.
Anyways, no luck as I’m too young and healthy as a horse. It’s unfortunate, as I don’t know if I can get one in England.

lindalou65

(353 posts)

39. New Mexico

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sun Aug 31, 2025, 08:40 PM

Aug 31

Will have the vaccine available soon. Just checked with the CVS pharmacy.

Reply to this discussion