Virginia Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Access through New Standing Order

Strategic Insights -

The Virginia Department of Health has announced a new statewide standing order for pharmacies to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to eligible Virginians. The order, signed by State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD, on September 10, will allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine to individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as those between 18 and 64 years of age with an underlying medical condition, without a prescription. This expansion is aimed at increasing access to the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation, which is anticipated to better match the strains expected to circulate this season.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new statewide standing order has been issued, allowing pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to eligible Virginians without a prescription.
  • The order applies to individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as those between 18 and 64 years of age with an underlying medical condition.
  • The standing order is based on Virginia Code § 54.1-3408 (I) and the Virginia Board of Pharmacy's statewide pharmacy protocols.
  • The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 18-19, 2025, to vote on the updated COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Patients between 18 and 64 years of age without underlying health conditions, as well as those under 18, are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Pharmacists in Virginia may administer vaccines under the direct authorization of a medical provider or by following statewide pharmacy protocols.
  • These protocols permit pharmacists to administer vaccines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Schedule.

Statistics:

  • Eligible Virginians aged 65 and older will be able to receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine from pharmacists.
  • Virginians with an underlying medical condition between the ages of 18 and 64 will also be eligible for vaccination without a prescription.
  • The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet on September 18-19, 2025, to vote on the updated COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation is anticipated to better match the strains expected to circulate this season.

Sources:

  • Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
  • Virginia State Code § 54.1-3408 (I)
  • Virginia Board of Pharmacy's statewide pharmacy protocols
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Schedule