North Carolina Expands Access to COVID-19 Vaccines without Prescription

Strategic Insights -

North Carolina has taken steps to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines by allowing seniors 65 years and older, as well as adults over 18 who meet certain criteria, to receive the vaccine at pharmacies without a prescription from a healthcare provider. This decision aligns with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recommendations and is part of a broader effort to promote public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. As of late August, the FDA approved the next round of COVID-19 vaccines, and the Standing Order issued by the State Health Director allows immunizing pharmacists to administer the vaccine to eligible individuals. The move aims to reduce administrative barriers and increase accessibility to vaccines, particularly for those who may face geographic, economic, or transportation challenges in obtaining preventive care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The North Carolina Office of the Governor has directed the State Health Director to issue Standing Orders allowing seniors 65 years and older, as well as adults over 18 with certain conditions, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies without a prescription.
  • The Standing Order aligns with FDA recommendations and allows immunizing pharmacists to administer the vaccine to eligible individuals.
  • According to NCDHHS, more than 70% of COVID-19 doses in North Carolina were given at pharmacies last year, highlighting the importance of pharmacies as a point of access for those seeking the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The Standing Order will serve as a prescription for immunizing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to adults for whom the FDA has already approved the vaccine.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine is available at most pharmacies, but individuals should call ahead to confirm availability and make an appointment if needed.
  • Parents should talk to their pediatricians, family physicians, or healthcare providers about vaccine availability for children ages six months to 17 years.
  • North Carolina joins the majority of states inallowing people to get the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies without a prescription.
  • The Standing Order is expected to increase access to care for millions of people in North Carolina who want to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, North Carolina Medical Society, and Old North State Medical Society have expressed support for the Governor's efforts to ensure safe and appropriate access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Statistics:

  • Over 70% of COVID-19 doses in North Carolina were given at pharmacies last year.
  • More than 120,000 emergency department visits for COVID-like illness occurred in North Carolina last year, resulting in over 21,600 hospitalizations.
  • According to FDA, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for individuals with high-risk conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, physical inactivity, depression, former or current smoking, and pregnancy, among many other conditions.
  • North Carolina is currently one of 10 states where immunizing pharmacists can give the COVID-19 vaccine to people of certain age groups only if they have a prescription.
  • The Standing Order aligns North Carolina with the vast majority of states where people do not need a prescription to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Sources:

  • North Carolina Office of the Governor, August 27, 2025.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - https://www.fda.gov/
  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) - https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
  • North Carolina Retail Merchants Association - https://www.ncrma.org/
  • North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians - https://ncAFP.org/
  • North Carolina Medical Society - https://ncmedsoc.org/
  • Old North State Medical Society - https://www.onsmsoc.org/
  • American College of Physicians North Carolina chapter - https://www.acponline.org/