Prescription requirements and delays hinder COVID-19 vaccination efforts in DMV

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Families across the DMV are having trouble getting COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

A delay in the CDC recommendation means some pharmacies are turning people away.

Some pharmacies require prescriptions from a doctor to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Typically, you can just walk in and get a shot, but now the complication has some worried about not only access but supply.

The FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines last month for all seniors, but only for younger adults and children who have at least one high-risk health condition.

“My son just started school, so obviously that’s always ramping up exposure and whatnot. So usually I would like to have it by mid-October,” said Lindsay Mosher.

Several independent pharmacies told DC News Now they won’t have COVID vaccines until the CDC advisory board puts out its recommendations.

“It’s September, right? So we’re in the midst of flu and COVID season. We needed to have a game plan for this months before,” said Dr. Virginia Milner, internal medicine physician.

Milner said people are having problems with the big pharmacy chains, too.

“A couple of my family members and patients have had issues. They would normally be able to get it to like age over 60, some with medical comorbidities and have been rejected from certain pharmacies that have asked them to present a prescription,” Milner said.

CVS said state pharmacy laws govern where they can vaccinate. Based on FDA approval, they’re offering COVID-19 vaccines in Maryland without a prescription. But a prescription is required in D.C. and Virginia.

On the other hand, Walgreens said no prescription is needed for patients in Virginia and Maryland, but in D.C., a prescription is needed.

“If we need to go the extra step to get a prescription, we’ll follow through with it,” Mosher said.

In Georgetown, Morgan Care Pharmacy is offering the updated vaccine.

“We started COVID vaccinations today, and we have been very busy with administering shots and contacting patients and doctors with prescription requests. I believe we are the only independent pharmacy administering COVID shots as of right now,” said Dr. Sahar Kassem, President, Morgan Care Pharmacy.

Milner said if you want it now, message or call your doctor.

“The best way to protect yourself and everyone else is to go ahead and get it. I think there’s few downsides,” Milner said.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 18 and 19.

Walgreens and CVS said once the CDC gives the green light, they won’t require prescriptions anymore.

All CVS Minute Clinic locations are offering the vaccine without a prescription.