Many stores, pharmacies, and financial institutions have modified hours or are closed on New Year's Day 2026, with grocery stores generally open with reduced hours, while banks, USPS, and stock exchanges are closed. Retailers like Walmart and Target remain open, but some specialty stores and services have limited hours or closures.
Many stores and services will be closed on Christmas Day 2025, including major retailers like Walmart and Costco, while some pharmacies and convenience stores such as CVS, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks will have varying hours. It's important to check specific store hours beforehand, as some locations will be open with modified hours. Banks, post offices, and the stock exchange will also be closed for the holiday.
New US COVID guidance has led to confusion and reduced vaccination rates, with some states requiring prescriptions for vaccines and CDC recommendations shifting away from broad support, causing hesitancy and logistical barriers among Americans.
The article discusses how people are finding ways to get Covid vaccines despite new eligibility restrictions, with adults often stretching criteria and vaccines for children being harder to access due to supply and age restrictions, though many health experts and organizations continue to support vaccination for all eligible children and adults.
Pennsylvania is navigating conflicting COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, with federal, state, and medical group recommendations varying, leading to confusion about eligibility, especially for children, pregnant women, and older adults. Pharmacies are following multiple authorities, and insurance coverage remains generally available, but the lack of a unified guidance system complicates public understanding and vaccination efforts.
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel recommends a more cautious approach to COVID-19 vaccinations, advising individuals to consult healthcare providers before getting the updated vaccine, which may involve some additional steps at pharmacies but will generally remain accessible across the U.S. with most insurers covering the costs.
In Florida, Publix and Walgreens pharmacies now offer the 2025-26 COVID-19 booster shots to eligible individuals without requiring a prescription, expanding access alongside CVS. The vaccines are available to adults 65+ and younger individuals at high risk, with plans to remove restrictions soon. Most insurance plans will cover the cost through 2026, making it easier for Floridians to get vaccinated ahead of winter surges.
Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger are blocking or complicating online COVID-19 vaccine appointments in several states, despite expanded access laws, leading to public confusion amid ongoing vaccination efforts and policy changes.
In 2025, updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available through drugstores with insurance coverage expected to continue, despite the CDC advisory committee not explicitly recommending them; individuals should check with their insurers and healthcare providers to confirm coverage and eligibility.
Drugstores will continue to offer and be reimbursed for COVID-19 vaccines this fall, despite new CDC advisory committee recommendations not specifically endorsing the updated shots. Insurance coverage is expected to persist through various programs, and most adults and high-risk groups can get vaccinated at pharmacies or doctors' offices, with eligibility based on age and health conditions. Consumers should verify their insurance coverage and consult healthcare providers for eligibility.
Drugstores are prepared to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall with insurers planning to cover the costs, despite the vaccines not being specifically recommended by a key government advisory committee. Coverage is expected through various programs including Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance, with most major insurers continuing to cover the vaccine at no cost through 2026. Vaccinations are widely accessible at pharmacies and doctors' offices, with recommendations for all individuals 6 months and older, especially those at high risk.
Despite CDC advisers not explicitly recommending the updated COVID-19 shots this fall, insurers plan to continue covering them, and pharmacies are prepared to administer the vaccines to all eligible individuals, including those at high risk, with many options for access across the U.S.
Vaccine advisers have stopped short of recommending the updated COVID-19 shots but stated individuals can decide whether to get them. Insurers are expected to continue coverage, and drugstores like CVS and Walgreens are prepared to administer the vaccines across all states. The vaccines are now approved for all adults and high-risk groups, with access primarily through pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Oregon has updated its COVID-19 vaccination policies, allowing pharmacists to administer the vaccine without prescriptions to most people and requiring health plans to cover the shots at no cost, aiming to increase vaccination rates before winter.
The Vermont Department of Health has issued new vaccine recommendations for respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, and authorized pharmacies to administer booster shots to anyone aged five and over through a standing order, aiming to increase vaccine accessibility and clarity amid ongoing federal guidance discussions.