Colorado Allows Pharmacies to Dispense COVID-19 Vaccines Without Prescription

On September 3, 2025, Colorado's top health authorities announced a significant change in the state's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a 'standing order,' permitting qualified pharmacies to provide COVID-19 vaccines to individuals without requiring a prescriptive requirement. Starting September 5th, anyone aged six months and older can access the updated COVID-19 vaccines at participating pharmacies.

This move comes after two major pharmacy chains, CVS and Walgreens, declared that their Colorado stores would limit COVID-19 vaccine administration to individuals with prescriptions. Currently, Colorado's regulations allow pharmacists to vaccinate only when the CDC’s immunization advisory committee recommends, a policy that some other states follow as well.

The standing order serves as a public health strategy similar to existing measures used for medications like naloxone, enabling broader and easier access without individual prescriptions. The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy is scheduled to hold an emergency session to clarify protections for pharmacies and staff administering vaccines, though participation remains optional for pharmacies.

While the FDA recently approved the updated COVID-19 vaccines last week, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has yet to meet or vote on recommending these vaccines for the current season. The decision is complicated by new members publicly expressing skepticism towards COVID-19 vaccines.

In 2024, the FDA authorized the updated vaccines for individuals 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions, but the vaccine was available to all from six months of age, with off-label use permitted for healthy individuals seeking extra protection. This policy shift aims to enhance vaccine accessibility and reduce hospitalizations, as over 4,500 Coloradans have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 since October 2024. State health officials emphasize that removing barriers to vaccination is critical for protecting public health, especially with the ongoing respiratory season and emerging variants.

The Colorado health department continues to coordinate with insurance providers and regulatory agencies to ensure equitable access, reinforcing the importance of widespread vaccination to prevent severe illness and healthcare system strain.

(source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-colorado-issues-pharmacies-covid-vaccines.html)