CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) and Walgreens are placing restrictions on who can receive Covid-19 booster shots in certain states — and not supplying them in others — as a key CDC vaccine advisory panel has yet to weigh in on recommendations.
The reason for the change is that some states bar pharmacists from administering vaccines unless they have been recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
That panel is scheduled to have a two-day meeting to discuss the Covid vaccine and others on Sept. 18 and 19.
In 13 states and the District of Columbia, CVS can administer Covid shots as long as the individual has a prescription from a doctor or healthcare provider. The drug store chain told The New York Times that it is not offering the jabs at all in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Although the U.S. FDA approved authorizations for Covid shots made by Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA), Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), and Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX) on Aug. 27, the eligibility for them is more significantly restricted than in previous years.
ACIP’s recommendation is also crucial for payors to cover the shots for health plan members.