NEW YORK (WPIX) – The largest US pharmacy company currently does not offer Covid-19 vaccines in 16 states.
CVS pharmacies cannot administer the vaccine without approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The 16 affected states are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Columbia.
However, 13 of these states still allow Covid-19 vaccines to be taken through CVS, but according to the New York Times, a certified prescription would be required.
Residents in Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico are unable to receive the vaccine through their local CVS, even if they have a prescription.
Amy Thibaut, a spokesman for the CVS Pharmacy, told Nexstar’s WPIX.
“We hope to receive the updated 2025-2026 Covid-19 vaccine in the coming days. CVS pharmacies and/or states that are legally permitted to meet the needs of patients will administer FDA-sanctioned Covid-19 vaccines.”
US regulators approved an updated Covid-19 shot on Wednesday, but restricted use by many Americans and removed one of two vaccines aimed at young children.
The improved vaccine targets new versions of the continuously evolving virus and is expected to start shipping soon. But it could take many Americans days or weeks to know if access can get one, depending on decisions from federal health advisors, health insurance companies, pharmacies and state officials.