The University of Virginia has agreed to comply with White House guidance to prevent discrimination in admissions and hiring, following federal scrutiny and the resignation of its president, as part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to scrutinize and reform diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on college campuses.
Illinois has issued its own COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, urging all adults and many children to get vaccinated, diverging from federal guidance amid recent changes and confusion at the federal level. The state also recommends flu and RSV vaccines and emphasizes following CDC immunization schedules. Illinois's move reflects a broader trend of states taking independent actions on public health policies.
The Minnesota Department of Health is endorsing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from independent medical associations instead of federal guidance, citing scientific consensus and safety for all age groups, including children and pregnant women.
Minnesota is diverging from federal COVID-19 vaccine guidance following an executive order by Governor Walz, emphasizing vaccine access for all adults and children six months and older, despite recent federal restrictions and recommendations to limit vaccination for most adults. The state is empowering pharmacists to administer vaccines and is working with insurance providers to ensure coverage, aiming to prevent severe COVID-19 illness.
Minnesota has issued a standing order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 12 and older, diverging from federal recommendations, to improve vaccine access amid waning public interest and ongoing COVID-19 risks.
New Jersey has expanded access to COVID-19 vaccines for anyone aged six months and older, diverging from federal guidance, amid ongoing debates over vaccine policies and state-level efforts to ensure vaccine availability during the respiratory virus season.
CVS has reversed its decision to offer COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions in Oregon, citing recent federal guidance that restricts vaccine access to certain groups, and is now requiring prescriptions for vaccination appointments amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
Minnesota is taking steps to ensure continued access to COVID-19 vaccines despite potential federal policy changes, with pharmacists authorized to vaccinate independently and insurers affirming coverage, amid some logistical challenges and ongoing debates over vaccine guidance and safety.
Some Oregonians are being turned away from getting the latest COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies because new vaccines are not yet included in state protocols due to delayed federal guidance, requiring a prescription for vaccination despite FDA authorization for certain groups. This situation is caused by disruptions in CDC advisory committee processes and unclear policies on vaccine coverage and administration, leading to legal and logistical uncertainties.
States are independently developing their own COVID vaccine policies due to concerns over federal changes and leadership issues, leading to varied vaccine access and recommendations across the U.S., with some states forming regional alliances to ensure continued vaccine availability and guidance.
Getting COVID shots in New York this year may be complicated due to shifting federal guidance, requiring prescriptions at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, and delays in official immunization recommendations, leading to uncertainty among providers and parents about vaccine availability and coverage.
Recent changes in federal COVID vaccine guidelines have created confusion and access issues, especially for younger, healthier individuals, due to new restrictions requiring healthcare provider approval and state-specific regulations. While vaccines are available at pharmacies for certain high-risk groups, others may need to seek vaccination through healthcare providers, leading to potential barriers and uncertainty in vaccine access. Health officials and medical groups are expressing concern over these policy shifts, emphasizing the importance of clear, science-based guidance and continued vaccination efforts.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary expressed skepticism about previous federal recommendations on Covid-19 vaccines, emphasizing the need for more controlled studies and criticizing the CDC's data integrity and decision-making processes. He advocates for personal medical decisions between patients and doctors, especially regarding vaccines for pregnant women and children.