It’s officially the season of text prompts and phone call reminders to get your seasonal vaccines.
Cases of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and other common respiratory illnesses tend to spike as temperatures go down and the holidays approach, sending many Americans to pharmacy lines and waiting rooms to get up-to-date on immunizations.
Confusion has persisted around one specific shot: the COVID-19 vaccine. After a year of rapidly changing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., many Americans have been left to wonder how easily a person could access the vaccine.
The FDA’s new restrictions, paired with a chaotic September meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which develops recommendations on the use of vaccines in the United States, sowed additional uncertainty.
With new guidelines officially in place as of early October, here’s what to know about getting an initial COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot this fall.
Who is eligible for a COVID-19 shot?
In August, the FDA approved an updated round of COVID vaccines, but only for individuals 65 years of age or older. Additionally, people aged 6 months or older with existing health conditions are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription or doctor’s order.
The list of chronic conditions that qualify is available on the CDC website.
The ACIP voted in September to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months or older based on individual decision-making after consulting with a healthcare provider, known as “shared clinical decision-making.” The CDC officially accepted these recommendations on Oct. 6.
Physicians, registered nurses, and pharmacists are considered healthcare providers, according to the CDC, and may administer vaccines after discussing them with the patient.
People can self-declare that they are moderately or severely immunocompromised and qualify for the vaccine without third-party confirmation, according to CDC guidelines.
In some cases, you will be asked to sign a paper confirming that you have an underlying condition or provide verbal confirmation.
Which COVID shots were approved by the FDA?
In August, the FDA approved three separate COVID vaccines:
Moderna was approved for children 6 months and older with an underlying condition and people over 65.
Pfizer was approved for children 5 and older with an underlying condition and people over 65.
Novavax was approved for children 12 and older with an underlying condition and people over 65.
How do I check my state’s requirements for a COVID-19 shot?
Several states and D.C. have taken action to expand and protect widespread vaccine access, issuing blanket prescriptions, executive orders, and insurance coverage requirements to bridge any gaps that have resulted from changing guidelines and confusion.
This, in tandem with the CDC guidelines adopted in October, means that pharmacists should now be able to administer the vaccine to anyone in any state. Previously, pharmacists in some states could not administer the vaccine without an ACIP recommendation.
Visit your state or county health department’s website for additional information. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist about your eligibility for the vaccine.
Signs advertise flu and COVID-19 vaccines at a CVS pharmacy in New York City.
Can I get a COVID-19 shot at CVS or another pharmacy?
The quickest way to see if you’re able to get a shot at your preferred pharmacy is to book an appointment in advance. This can usually be done online, over the phone, or by visiting the pharmacy in person.
CVS, which administers more vaccines annually than any other pharmacy chain, announced on Oct. 7 that the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine boosters are available to patients in all 50 states at CVS pharmacies and MinuteClinic locations. Prescriptions from outside prescribers are not required in any state.
“In all states, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic providers will administer updated COVID-19 vaccinations to patients who request them,” CVS said in a news release.
Vaccination appointments are available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic seven days a week, including during evenings and weekends. Appointments for individuals aged five and above are available at CVS.com and via the CVS Health app, and walk-ins are accepted. Online booking is also available at MinuteClinic.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to get COVID-19 shot this fall? What to know amid new guidance.
