Nevada Residents Face Delay in Accessing Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
LAS VEGAS (September 13, 2023) – Nevadans seeking the newly approved fall 2023 COVID-19 shots are currently unable too receive them at pharmacies due to state law. While the U.S.Food and drug Management recently approved the updated vaccines, Nevada regulations prevent pharmacists from administering them until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides its recommendation.
The ACIP is scheduled to meet September 18-19, at wich time approval is anticipated. The new FDA guidance expands eligibility to all adults 65 and older, and also individuals and children wiht at least one medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
According to a statement provided to Channel 13, CVS pharmacies have received the updated vaccines but “due to state pharmacy laws, we are unable to vaccinate patients at our pharmacies until they are approved by the CDC/ACIP, which is expected to occur in mid-September.” Nevada law does not allow vaccinations with a prescription, a practice permitted in some other states.
The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is currently administering an older version of the COVID-19 vaccine by appointment only, but does not yet have the updated vaccine in its clinics. A spokesperson for SNHD stated the district follows ACIP recommendations, mirroring the practice of commercial pharmacies.
CVS encourages individuals to schedule appointments online at CVS.com or thru the CVS Health app. Channel 13 has reached out to Walgreens and Smith’s pharmacies for comment. A walmart pharmacist indicated the company expects to receive the updated shots within two weeks.
