The rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines has left many North Carolinians puzzled over whether they qualify for the new booster shots.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the new Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax shots for all seniors at the end of August. But for younger Americans, there are restrictions — at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity, according to the Associated Press.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. told a Senate committee during a hearing last week that access to the new shots “depends on the states.”
In North Carolina, the state Department of Health and Human Services is “closely monitoring” changes in federal guidelines, spokesperson Summer Tonizzo told NC Newsline.
“We are actively exploring options to improve vaccine availability and ensure that all North Carolinians have convenient access to vaccinations throughout the state,” Tonizzo said in a statement.
Following state law, immunizing pharmacists in North Carolina can administer those vaccines recommended by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) , but ACIP has yet to give their recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines this season.
“Without ACIP recommendations, COVID vaccines may only be available from a pharmacist in North Carolina for those ages 18 and up with a prescription,” Tonizzo clarified.
That leaves many North Carolina pharmacists and medical providers anxiously waiting for the outcome of ACIP’s meeting Sept. 18 and 19. At least five states have decided not to wait on that guidance and are making the shots widely available now.
At the moment, CVS MinuteClinic is offering the updated shots to patients in North Carolina if they present an authorized prescription, a spokesperson from the company told NC Newsline. Prescriptions are not required in neighboring South Carolina and Tennessee due to different state pharmacy laws.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at Walgreens in the state for eligible patients with a valid prescription, a spokesperson told NC Newsline.
Patients can review their vaccine eligibility and schedule appointments at CVS or Walgreens by speaking with their local pharmacists or checking online.
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