Virginia Department of Health reverses previous FDA order for COVID shots that were only approved for people 65 and older.
RICHMOND, Va. — The Food and Drug Administration officially approved new COVID shots, but only for those that are 65 and older or with a prescription from a doctor. However, the Virginia Department of Health issued a reversal of this order for the state on Wednesday. It authorizes COVID shots for everyone over 18 with no prescription and at least one underlying health condition.
Patients between the ages of 18 and 64 without underlying health conditions, as well as those under 18, are asked to speak with their healthcare provider if they should receive the new COVID shot.
“We realize this has been top of mind for many Virginians in the past several days,” said Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton, “and we are resolved to increase access to the updated formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Virginians.”
The order authorizes pharmacists licensed in Virginia to administer the FDA-approved COVID shots. The FDA recently approved vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax for all seniors, but only for younger adults and children with health conditions.