COVID-19 vaccine to be more accessible in NC, Gov. Stein says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and other state health officials announced Friday that COVID-19 vaccines would be more accessible as the virus continues to spread and federal recommendations have yet to be made.

Earlier Friday, Stein gave State Health Director and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Greenblatt a directive to issue standing orders

to increase access to the vaccine for North Carolinians who want to get it.

Greenblatt has since issued standing orders that allow those aged 65 or older as well as adults over the age of 18 who meet certain criteria to get a COVID-19 vaccine, if they choose, at a pharmacy without a prescription.

“Healthcare providers and pharmacists recommend vaccination as a safe and effective tool to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19,” Stein said. “This action ensures that North Carolinians most at risk who want protection from COVID-19 can get it as we enter the cold and flu season.”

The standing order — which aligns with the Federal Drug Administration’s Aug. 27 approval for the vaccine — comes as states wait on the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to issue its recommendation for COVID-19 vaccines this season. Without the recommendation, the state says, immunizing pharmacists in North Carolina can only give the vaccines to adults with a prescription. Friday’s order removes that requirement.

“Requiring an office visit to obtain a prescription to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is an administrative barrier for patients, providers and pharmacies,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said. “Vaccinations against seasonal respiratory viruses, including flu, RSV and COVID are especially important and the right choice for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease.”

The coronavirus has already begun making its rounds in the Triangle. Other respiratory viruses are also on the rise as the season begins to change, making easier access to vaccines even more important, state health officials and medical professionals said.

“Vaccines are the most effective public health tool to prevent the spread of a broad range of contagious illnesses including COVID-19,” Dr. Mark McNeill, President of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, said in support of the governor’s efforts. “We must all work together to protect our communities against the spread of COVID-19 infection.”

North Carolina is now one of 10 states where immunizing pharmacists can administer the vaccine to eligible adults without a prescription. Federal guidance is expected later this month, and “may continue to evolve,” according to the state.

“As this happens, North Carolina will do everything it can to ensure people have access to safe and affordable COVID-19 vaccines,” the state said in a news release.

Health officials said most pharmacies in the state have the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19, but with approval by the FDA being so recent, availability may be limited in some places. Those looking to get vaccinated should check with their pharmacy of choice as appointments may be required.