Stop Punishing Smart People For Trusting The COVID Vaccine

I have a better idea.  Make it easier for those of us who want the COVID vaccine to get it, and let the antivaxxers go without it. Why should we be penalized for believing in and trusting vaccinations?

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From WCNC, Charlotte, 9/4/25: 

Do you need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine in North Carolina?

CVS Health says it can issue FDA-approved vaccines without a prescription in most U.S. states, but policies vary based on where you live.

"CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across North Carolina, many people are wondering when they can receive the latest vaccine. However, current guidelines require patients to have a doctor’s prescription before getting the shot from a pharmacist.

"Let’s verify what this may mean for families as the summer season wraps up.

WHAT WE FOUND

"Local pharmacies, including Oakhurst Pharmacy in Charlotte, reported an increase in people looking for COVID-19 tests and inquiring about vaccine availability.

"According to the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists across the state are currently not authorized to administer the COVID-19 vaccine without a valid prescription.

“In North Carolina, without a prescription, you cannot get a COVID-19 vaccine, no matter what your age is or what your conditions are,” Deese said.

"This restriction remains in place until further guidance is issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is scheduled to meet Sept. 18 and 19. ACIP recommendations often guide states in vaccine rollout and policy decisions.

"CVS Pharmacy confirmed the prescription requirement for North Carolina residents in a statement, but noted that policies vary by state. In South Carolina, pharmacists have been advised by the state board that they can give the 2024-25 COVID vaccine without a prescription; however, the 2025-26 vaccine will require a doctor's prescription. 

"CVS says it can administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription in most states. Other states where CVS can offer FDA-approved vaccines include: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. 

"States that require a prescription for updated COVID-19 vaccines include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C. 

"For more information on vaccine availability and eligibility, residents are encouraged to contact their health care provider or local pharmacy.

"Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram"