CVS and Walgreens are reducing access to updated COVID-19 vaccines in multiple states after federal regulators narrowed eligibility to seniors and high-risk groups.
CVS confirmed it has halted distribution in three states—Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico—and imposed restrictions in 13 others, along with the District of Columbia.
“Based on the current regulatory environment, CVS has completely stopped offering the shots in three states – Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico – and has limited access in 13 others as well as the District of Columbia,” CVS Health spokesperson Tara Burke said.
The states where CVS has limited vaccine access include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Burke added, “We’ll administer FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines in states where legally permitted at CVS Pharmacy and/or MinuteClinic to meet our patients’ needs.”
Walgreens issued a similar statement, noting it is “prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so,” according to a report from CBS News.
In areas with restrictions, high-risk individuals may still receive updated boosters if they obtain prescriptions from authorized providers.