Utah pharmacists can administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) has clarified that, while federal recommendations surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations have shifted, Utah pharmacists can administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription.

On September 19, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend that people talk with clinicians before receiving a COVID vaccine and voted to update COVID-19 guidance.

For individuals between six months and 64 years old, the ACIP recommends that COVID-19 vaccinations be based on individual-based decision-making, rather than advising that people “should vaccinate” against COVID-19.

The updated guidance notes that the risk-benefit analysis of vaccination “is most favorable for individuals under 65 who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19, while it is lowest for those who are not at an increased risk.”

DOPL noted that these changes do not affect Utah’s existing guidance and protocol. Currently, Utah pharmacists still have the authority to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription.

However, future requirements for COVID-19 prescriptions may still be determined by the CDC. Reportedly, the CDC’s decision could impact the future requirement for a COVID-19 vaccine prescription, according to the DOPL.

According to the DOPL, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention hasn’t updated their vaccine guidance to align with ACIP recommendations. The DOPL stated, “DOPL is currently awaiting the CDC’s response regarding whether it will adopt, modify or reject the ACIP recommendations.”

Regardless of the decision, the DOPL states that individuals should discuss their personal risk factors or health conditions with their medical providers.