COVID vaccine changes hit Tucson: CVS and Walgreens now require prescription | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – This fall, Arizona residents seeking COVID-19 vaccinations are facing new hurdles due to stricter federal guidelines and a current prescription requirement. Arizona is one of 13 states, along with  Washington D.C., where CVS Pharmacy requires a prescription for the vaccine.

Registered nurse Chance Sasser does not understand the prescription requirement. 

“To have a prescription kind of seems a little counterintuitive though,” Sasser said. “I mean you can get a flu shot without a prescription, you can get any other vaccine you want without a prescription.” 

CVS attributes the prescription mandate to state law, which may change if states take action or if the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approves the new vaccines.

News 4 Tucson reached out to Walgreens on their policy for clarification but did not receive a response. Tucson residents aged 65 and older trying to schedule an online vaccine appointment with Walgreens are met with a message that a prescription is required.

The Associated Press reports the FDA has approved updated vaccines for seniors, however children and younger adults need “at least one high-risk health condition” to receive them.

U of A sophomore Rocco Pelano never received the vaccine, but he does not agree with the new limitations on who can get vaccinated. 

“I’m not like saying the research or whatever they’re basing it on is wrong or right. I’m not one to judge off that, but if you want to get it, I feel like you should be able to,” Pelano said.

Many residents News 4 Tucson spoke with Monday were unaware of the changes to federal vaccine policy or the statewide prescription requirement.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which could end the prescription requirements at CVS locations is scheduled to meet on Sept. 18 and Sept. 19.