COVID-19 Vaccine Access limited in Georgia, Prescriptions Now Required at Many Pharmacies
TIFTON, GA – Access to the latest COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more restricted in Georgia, with many pharmacies now requiring a prescription before administering the shot. The change follows recent guidance from the Food and drug Management (FDA) which limited vaccine recommendations to adults 65 and older, and those with underlying health conditions that increase their risk.
Several major pharmacy chains with locations in Tifton, including Walgreens, CVS, and Publix, are implementing the prescription requirement. Some smaller,self-reliant pharmacies,such as Friendly City Pharmacy and Dogwood Pharmacy,have announced they will not carry the updated vaccine at all.
Currently,local health departments in the South health District also do not have the vaccine in stock and are awaiting further direction. Kristin Patten, Public Details Officer for the South Health District, stated that departments are holding off on establishing protocols until guidance is released by the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
The ACIP is scheduled to meet on September 18th and 19th to discuss vaccine recommendations, including those for COVID-19. This committee typically provides national guidelines for vaccine usage and administration. The outcome of the meeting is expected to clarify the proper course of action regarding the new vaccine and its availability to the broader public.
The FDA’s narrowed recommendations effectively limit free access to the vaccine for most Americans, prompting the shift in pharmacy policies and a wait-and-see approach from public health departments across the state.
