More States Expand Access to COVID-19 Vaccines Despite Federal Restrictions

Since August, at least 17 states across the U.S. have taken proactive steps to broaden access to COVID-19 vaccinations following federal guidelines that limited eligibility. These state-level measures include issuing orders and policies designed to facilitate vaccine administration and clarify access procedures. States such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin have enacted various initiatives. Most of these states, with the exception of Virginia, have Democratic governors and are working to empower pharmacies and healthcare providers to serve more residents without restrictive prerequisites.

This movement marks a notable challenge to federal health authority, which recently revised its recommendations. Previously, the FDA advised that COVID-19 booster shots should be available to anyone aged six months and older. However, in August, the FDA narrowed the guidance, limiting booster eligibility to individuals 65 and older, or those six months from their last dose with specific underlying health conditions like obesity or respiratory issues. For children under 18 without health conditions, vaccination now requires prior consultation with a healthcare provider, restricting direct access.

These federal changes, championed by figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have caused confusion among the public about vaccine availability and insurance coverage. Many people are uncertain whether local pharmacies will dispense the vaccine without a prescription and if insurance will cover it. To address these issues, states like Wisconsin have issued executive orders ensuring vaccine availability and mandatory insurance coverage for the COVID-19 shot.

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin emphasized the importance of vaccination, criticizing federal and partisan interference in health matters. Similarly, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and others have mandated that insurers cover vaccine costs, and several states have issued standing orders allowing pharmacies to vaccinate without prescriptions.

In contrast, some Republican-led states, such as Florida, have adopted policies to phase out vaccine mandates, with officials calling vaccine requirements immoral and unnecessary. Louisiana's U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has even suggested a blanket prescription approach for vaccines.

Overall, these efforts demonstrate a significant state-level response advocating for broader vaccine access amid ongoing federal restrictions and guidance changes. The push reflects ongoing debates about vaccine policies, public health, and political influence on health decisions.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-states-access-covid-shot-feds.html