Virginia families face hurdles getting updated COVID-19 vaccine amid prescription confusion

Virginia families are hitting roadblocks while getting the new COVID- vaccine as shifting federal rules spark confusion over pharmacy prescription requirements Related stories Former CDC physicians speak out against new vaccine policies Maryland to protect access to vaccines with flu season approaching For specific a COVID- vaccine means jumping through hoops or hitting the road According to the Virginia Department of Strength pharmacists can give vaccines in two options with a prescription from a diagnostic provider or under statewide protocols that allow vaccinations without a prescription as long as they follow the immunization schedule from the Centers for Disorder Control and Prevention The CDC s current immunization schedule lists the - COVID- vaccine but not the - version which is why a prescription is now required for the newer shots Jim Hardin a -year-old resident of Haymarket recounted WTOP he was requested to present a prescription not long ago when he tried to get a vaccination at a Giant Foods Pharmacy near his home He reported he s never been questioned for a prescription To me this is kind of a federal bureaucracy that s really useless Hardin declared If you think about it what medical expert is going to say No I m not going to give you a prescription for a COVID shot I mean they ll all give it to you Hardin declared he is retired veteran and can get a shot at a local military base But he stated that s at least miles away and not at all convenient Several states have already acted on similar concerns In Colorado Massachusetts New York and Pennsylvania pharmacists can give COVID- vaccines without a prescription The CDC s vaccine advisory committee meets Sept and to vote on updated COVID- shots If approved pharmacists could give the vaccines without a prescription I just think the administration is trying to dissuade citizens from getting a shot Hardin explained I think that s wrong Source