Summary
Governors in several U.S. states, including Maine, Arizona, Illinois, and North Carolina, have issued orders to make it easier for residents to get COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without needing a prescription. The move comes as access has grown more complicated in 2025 due to changes in federal recommendations. CVS Health reports that the vaccines are available without prescriptions in 41 states, but some states still require them.
Key Facts
- Governors in Maine, Arizona, Illinois, and North Carolina have signed orders to allow access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without prescriptions.
- In 2025, federal guidance does not recommend vaccines for everyone, complicating access.
- CVS Health offers vaccines without prescriptions in 41 states.
- Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., have different requirements for prescriptions.
- Maine Gov. Janet Mills criticized federal actions for hindering vaccine access.
- At least 14 states, mostly with Democratic governors, have eased vaccine access policies this month.
- North Carolina's new orders allow vaccines for people over 65 or those over 18 with risk factors, while others need prescriptions.
- The U.S. FDA now limits vaccine recommendations, with approvals only for people over 65 or those with specific risk factors.
