West Virginians Currently Need Prescription for Updated COVID-19 Vaccine
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – most West Virginians seeking the updated COVID-19 vaccine currently require a prescription from their doctor, a situation stemming from recent changes in federal guidance and a pending advisory committee review. The requirement highlights evolving vaccine access as public health officials navigate ongoing protection against the virus.
On August 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Management updated its COVID-19 vaccine guidance,limiting full approvals for the updated shot to individuals age 65 and older,or to younger people with at least one underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 infection. This shift has impacted vaccine availability and access across the country.While some states,like Pennsylvania,have authorized eligible individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription,West Virginia remains under the prescription requirement. “So in West Virginia we will need a prescription from a patient’s physician to administer the covid vaccine until we have the CDC’s recommendations which will be after September 18/19th. Once we have the recommendations from the CDC, those guidelines will be followed,” explained Ken Reed, a Hedgesville area pharmacist and Republican member of the state House of Delegates.
The delay in updated guidance is linked to recent changes within the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the panel of independent experts that guides vaccine policy. On June 9, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the immunization advisory committee and replaced some with new appointees. The ACIP is scheduled to meet September 18-19.
“In short we don’t know what the recommendations are going to be yet,” Reed said.
Federal law mandates that most health insurance plans fully cover vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some states also require federal recommendations before allowing over-the-counter vaccine access at pharmacies. Individuals who obtain a prescription may still face out-of-pocket costs depending on their insurance coverage.
State Delegate Amos expressed hope for a change in the prescription requirement, stating, “I continue to stand behind the belief that vaccines are one of the leading health advancements in all of modern medicine and access is paramount.” Amos indicated a desire to work with colleagues to address the issue in the upcoming legislative session.
