CVS and Walgreens Change COVID-19 Vaccine Access Amid Shift in CDC Guidelines

Strategic Insights -

As the season for COVID-19 vaccines begins, CVS and Walgreens are adjusting their services to comply with state laws and current U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. This change follows recent decisions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has authorized updated vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for all seniors and for younger adults and children who have certain health conditions. However, options for children under age 5 are now limited, and new guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) differs from the CDC's recommendations for the first time in 30 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • CVS will only offer COVID-19 shots in 23 states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
  • In 16 other states, patients may need a prescription from an authorized provider depending on their age and health status.
  • CVS cannot administer COVID-19 vaccines at all in some states, including Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico, due to local regulations.
  • Walgreens will follow state rules and will only offer vaccines in states where they are allowed to do so.
  • The FDA has authorized updated vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for all seniors and for younger adults and children who have certain health conditions.
  • Options for children under age 5 are now limited, with the FDA ending emergency authorization for Pfizer's shot in this age group and leaving Moderna as the only vaccine available for children 6 months to 4 years old with at least one qualifying medical condition.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 2 years old, while the CDC does not recommend COVID shots for all healthy children.

Statistics:

  • 23 states where CVS will offer COVID-19 shots
  • 16 states where patients may need a prescription from an authorized provider
  • 3 states (Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico) where CVS cannot administer COVID-19 vaccines due to local regulations
  • Age groups eligible for updated vaccines: all seniors and younger adults and children with certain health conditions
  • Limited options for children under age 5: only Moderna vaccine available for children 6 months to 4 years old with a qualifying medical condition
  • 30 years since the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have disagreed on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

Sources:

  • CBS News, Aug. 29, 2025
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)