News Summary
Central Florida residents are struggling to navigate new FDA restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines, affecting access to booster shots. Many are traveling out-of-state for vaccinations due to strict eligibility criteria. The recent guidelines require prescriptions for those under 65, adding to frustrations as older residents attempt to secure their doses. Meanwhile, the CDC and ACIP are expected to provide further guidance soon.
Orlando – Residents in Central Florida are grappling with confusion following the recent FDA announcement that instituted stricter measures for accessing the latest COVID-19 vaccines. Many individuals are struggling to obtain booster shots due to new eligibility requirements, leading some to seek alternative options outside the state.
One resident, Dawn Neff, in her 70s, attempted to schedule a booster shot at a local Walgreens in Orlando in anticipation of an overseas trip. However, she was informed that vaccines would not be available until the state received eligibility guidance from the CDC and Florida officials. Faced with the delay, Neff plans to travel nearly five hours to a Walgreens in Valdosta, Georgia, where pharmacies still offer vaccines with a prescription.
Walgreens confirmed that the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine will not be available in Florida until the state receives clearance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Meanwhile, CVS Health has begun to provide updated COVID vaccines, but only if patients present a prescription from an authorized prescriber and meet the new FDA restrictions.
The FDA’s guidelines, released on August 27, limit COVID-19 vaccine access to individuals aged 65 years and older, as well as those with specific medical conditions such as asthma, obesity, and cancer. Patients under 65 can self-confirm their underlying conditions at CVS MinuteClinics, where healthcare professionals can issue prescriptions. This limitation has sparked frustration, as expressed by other Orlando resident Wayne Smith, aged 66, who was denied the vaccine despite his eagerness to receive it.
The new vaccine prescribing requirements are not isolated to Florida. Other states, including Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia, also require medical prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines. In contrast, pharmacies in 38 states can administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription, providing more accessibility in those regions.
On a legislative note, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a 30-day order allowing pharmacists within the state to prescribe and administer the COVID-19 vaccine, potentially improving access. As of now, the ACIP is scheduled to convene on September 18 and 19, where they may issue additional recommendations regarding vaccine administration amid the ongoing confusion.
The controversy surrounding vaccine guidelines is compounded by recent personnel changes within the CDC, highlighted by the dismissal of Dr. Susan Monarez, creating uncertainty within the agency. Coverage remains a consideration, as Medicare is set to cover costs for COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA, although the coverage policies of health insurers have yet to be clearly defined.
Local residents, including Winter Springs resident Patty Grant, have shared their frustrations over the difficulty in locating the new COVID vaccine at various pharmacies while awaiting decisions from the CDC. These access issues are further complicated by pharmacy policies that tie their vaccine offerings to ACIP recommendations, creating a landscape rife with uncertainties and political influences.
The challenges of obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine are further exacerbated by rising vaccine exemptions and misinformation, particularly regarding vaccinations for children. Healthcare experts warn that these trends could result in outbreaks of infectious diseases, stressing the importance of reliable access to vaccines as a public health measure. With vaccine access continually fluctuating, it remains critical for residents to stay informed and prepared for upcoming changes in eligibility and availability.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: COVID-19 Booster Shot Confusion
- NBC News: Delayed Vaccine Meeting
- Click Orlando: Florida Surgeon General on Vaccine Injuries
- BMC Public Health: Article on Public Health
- Fox 35 Orlando: Surge in Flu and COVID-19 Cases
- Wikipedia: COVID-19 Vaccines
- Google Search: COVID-19 Vaccine
- Google Scholar: COVID-19 Vaccine Access
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vaccination
- Google News: COVID-19 Vaccine News
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
