The governors of Arizona and Maine have issued new orders intended to allow most residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without needing individual prescriptions. This move comes as access to the vaccines has become more complicated in 2025, largely due to changes in federal guidance that no longer recommend them for nearly everyone.
CVS Health, the largest pharmacy chain in the United States, reports that its stores offer COVID-19 vaccinations without an individual prescription in 41 states. However, until now, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah and West Virginia — along with the District of Columbia — have required individual prescriptions based on state policies. With the new orders from Arizona and Maine set to take effect, those two states are expected to change their approach.
Maine Governor Janet Mills said: “I will not stand idly by while the Trump Administration makes it harder for Maine people to get a vaccine that protects their health and could very well save their life. Through this standing order, we are stepping up to knock down the barriers the Trump Administration is putting in the way of the health and welfare of Maine people.”
At least 14 states — including 12 led by Democratic governors and Virginia under Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin — have announced policies this month aimed at easing access to COVID-19 vaccines. In some states like Delaware and New Jersey where access was expanded recently, some pharmacies were already offering broad availability.
In contrast with most Republican-controlled states which have not changed vaccine policy this month but continue existing access protocols, other officials such as boards of pharmacy are also taking action. Additionally, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington have formed an alliance to make their own vaccine recommendations; currently only Oregon does not permit pharmacy vaccination without a prescription.
Previously, federal authorities recommended COVID-19 vaccination for all Americans over six months old. This year’s guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves shots only for people age 65 and older or for children and younger adults with risk factors like asthma or obesity. The change follows U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s decision in June to dismiss all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices amid concerns about industry ties; he replaced them with individuals skeptical of vaccines.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs described her executive order as “protecting the health care freedom” of Arizonans.
Meanwhile in Florida, Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has announced intentions for Florida to potentially eliminate requirements for several childhood vaccinations; however implementation would be delayed until December pending legislative action. According to state health officials measles and polio immunizations would remain mandatory even if other shots such as chickenpox become optional.
