Pharmacies in South Florida require prescriptions for COVID vaccines after feds change guidelines

Access to COVID vaccines change with shifts in CDC

MIAMI — Staying up to date with new COVID vaccines got more difficult, as pharmacies in Florida are requiring prescriptions.

While the leadership of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revolts in Washington, CVS and Walgreens, two of the largest pharmacy chains in the country, cited new guidelines.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the 2025-26 vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for people who are 65 years or older or those with underlying conditions.

Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., both the CDC and the FDA are prioritizing the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which doesn’t prioritize wide access to immunization services.

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Ross Ketschke

Ross Ketschke

Ross Ketschke is Local 10's Emmy-nominated Capitol Hill reporter, covering South Florida's delegation in Washington, D.C.

Byron Tollefson

Byron Tollefson

Byron Tollefson joined Local 10 News as a reporter in July 2025.

Andrea Torres

Andrea Torres

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.