Important Update on COVID-19 Vaccines
 

As of August 27, 2025, the FDA revoked emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccines in the general population

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Now, the updated 2025-2026 vaccines are only authorized for:

• ​​​Adults 65 and older (You do not need a prescription - this vaccine is covered for all people 65+)

• Individuals 12–64 years old with certain high-risk health conditions (these are not clearly defined and there is no guarantee your insurance will cover the cost).

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Why is the pharmacy asking for a prescription?

• Some pharmacies now require a prescription to give the vaccine, although this is not a Medicare requirement.

• This is a new request, not based on any guidelines.  This does not guarantee that your insurance will cover the vaccine and is and outside of our practice’s control.  If you are over 65, YOU DO NOT NEED A PRESCRIPTION.

• We have this vaccine at our office and if you are 65+.  Please call the front desk and schedule a nurse visit.

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If you are between 18 and 64 - A prescription does not mean your insurance will cover this vaccine

• We want to be sure you have accurate information 

• Insurance coverage is not guaranteed.  

• For those under 65 without a qualifying health condition, many insurers may not cover the vaccine.

• We are receiving a very high volume of prescription requests, which has placed a significant strain on our care team. At this time, because prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines do not guarantee eligibility or insurance coverage, we are unable to provide these prescriptions.  We are waiting for guidance from the CDC and insurance companies.

• Medicare will continue to cover the vaccine for those 65 and older WITHOUT prescriptions.  Please do not request a prescription from our office, you do not need it.    

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What you can do:

• ​PLEASE TAKE A DEEP BREATH! 

• IT IS GOING TO TAKE A FEW WEEKS TO GET GUIDANCE FROM THE CDC AND INSURANCE COMPANIES.

• If you are 65 or older, the vaccine is covered by Medicare and available at our office.  We have this vaccine at our office.  It should also be available at pharmacies without a prescription.  Medicare is not requiring a prescription for this vaccine.  This is an arbitrary request by your pharmacy and we are being overwhelmed with requests.  YOU DO NOT NEED A PRESCRIPTION.

• If you are under 65 with health conditions, we are not currently writing prescriptions.  We are waiting for reliable information from the CDC and the insurers.  If you would like to receive the vaccine, the cost is $150.  You are welcome to submit the receipt to your insurance for reimbursement.  

• If you are under 65 and healthy, the vaccine is not currently authorized or likely to be covered.  If you would like to get the vaccine, you are welcome to pay the cash price of $150 and submit the claim to your insurance.  

We will continue to monitor CDC and insurance updates closely and will share new information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.