States Where You Can Still Get a COVID-19 Vaccine at CVS After RFK Jr. Policy Changes

**States where CVS still sells the COVID-19 vaccine after JFK Policy Changes**

As of late August 2025, changes in U.S. federal vaccine policy have significantly impacted the way COVID-19 vaccines are distributed, particularly at retail locations like CVS. Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued stricter guidelines regarding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, restricting access to individuals over the age of 75 or those with specific high-risk medical conditions. Consequently, CVS has modified its vaccine availability policies to provide varying levels of access based on state regulations. ### Overview of the Policy Changes

Under the new federal guidelines, COVID-19 vaccines are now available only for high-risk groups. This decision follows ongoing research into vaccine efficacy and the changing dynamics of COVID-19 spread. Individuals who do not meet these high-risk criteria must now secure a prescription from a healthcare provider before receiving a vaccine.

### CVS Vaccine Availability: State-by-State Breakdown

CVS has been a crucial player in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the U.S., but the pharmacy giant’s ability to offer vaccines has been altered by local and federal changes.

#### **1. States where you don't need a prescription** CVS pharmacies continue to provide the COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription in 34 states. These states have opted to align with federal guidelines that permit pharmacies to provide the vaccine directly to individuals who are eligible based on their age or medical condition. Individuals in these states can walk into a CVS pharmacy, check their eligibility, and receive their vaccine without additional documentation.

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming are among the states in which CVS does not require a prescription. #### **2. States with Prescription Requirements** CVS locations in 13 states and Washington, D.C., on the other hand, will still administer COVID-19 vaccines, but only if a prescription is presented. These states have implemented stricter guidelines, requiring patients to obtain a prescription from a healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine, even if they meet the age or medical condition requirements.

These states include Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

#### **3. States Where CVS Is Not Offering Vaccines**

Three states—Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico—are currently not offering COVID-19 vaccines at CVS locations. Even with a prescription, pharmacies cannot distribute vaccines in these states due to local laws or regulations. For those who might otherwise rely on CVS as a convenient location for vaccinations, this restriction has created an accessibility issue. ### Impact of the Policy Shift

The narrowing of eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations has created a mixed landscape for vaccine access. While CVS continues to play a significant role in vaccine distribution, its reach has been limited in some states. For individuals living in states where a prescription is required or where vaccines are not offered at all, they will need to explore alternative locations such as hospitals or health clinics.

Additionally, as a result of this policy change, many individuals who were previously able to purchase vaccines at CVS will now require authorization from a physician or other healthcare professional. In states like California or Texas, where access is still relatively straightforward, individuals will find it easy to get vaccinated without the added step of securing a prescription.

The situation is less straightforward in states with stricter vaccine access rules, where individuals will face barriers to obtaining the vaccine, potentially affecting public health outcomes, especially among younger and generally healthy individuals who do not fall into the high-risk categories defined by the FDA.

### What to Do If You Need a Vaccine

You can simply walk into your nearest CVS location if you are in one of the states where CVS continues to offer vaccines without a prescription. However, if you live in a state where a prescription is required or CVS does not sell vaccines, you should talk to your doctor about your eligibility and other options. Additionally, public health clinics and other community vaccination sites may be able to offer vaccinations, particularly for those who face challenges accessing them through traditional pharmacy routes.

### Conclusion

As the U.S. navigates the evolving landscape of COVID-19 vaccination, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the specific rules and guidelines in their state. CVS, as one of the largest providers of vaccines, has adapted to these changes, but access to the vaccine now varies considerably depending on location. To ensure that you can get vaccinated if necessary, make sure to check the current policies in your area and seek advice from healthcare professionals, regardless of whether you are eligible for or seeking a vaccine.