By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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TUESDAY, Sept. 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 CVS and Walgreens are changing where and how they offer COVID-19<\/a> vaccines this season as they work to comply with state laws and current U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.<\/p>\n Both pharmacy chains say vaccine access will now vary by state. CVS announced that it can only offer COVID-19 shots in the following states:<\/p>\n Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.<\/p>\n In 16 other states, patients may need a prescription from an authorized provider depending on their age and health status. In some states \u2014 including Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico \u2014 CVS <\/a>says it cannot administer COVID-19 vaccines at all, even with a prescription, due to local regulations, CBS News <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n Walgreens<\/a> also confirmed it will follow state rules, saying it is “prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so.”<\/p>\n The changes follow recent decisions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).<\/p>\n The FDA has authorized updated vaccines from Pfizer<\/a>, Moderna<\/a> and Novavax<\/a> for all seniors and for younger adults and children who have certain health conditions.<\/p>\n However, options for children under age 5 are now limited. The FDA ended emergency authorization for Pfizer\u2019s shot in this age group, leaving Moderna as the only vaccine available for children 6 months to 4 years old with at least one qualifying medical condition.<\/p>\n Adding to the confusion, new guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) differs from the CDC\u2019s recommendations for the first time in 30 years.<\/p>\n The AAP strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 2 years old. The CDC does not recommend COVID shots for all healthy children. It says parents should talk with their child\u2019s doctor and then decide whether to get vaccinated.<\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more vaccine information for adults<\/a>.<\/p>\n