Several states, led by Democratic governors, are easing access to COVID-19 vaccines by allowing them to be administered at pharmacies without individual prescriptions, amid changing federal guidance and political contention over vaccine policies in 2025.
Several U.S. states, primarily led by Democratic governors, are easing access to COVID-19 vaccines by allowing them to be administered at pharmacies without individual prescriptions, amid changing federal guidance and political debates over vaccine policies.
CVS is withholding Covid vaccines in 16 states due to the lack of a recommendation from the CDC's advisory panel, highlighting regulatory challenges and potential impacts on vaccine access amid rising infections.
New York State Department of Health has authorized pharmacists to dispense a year's supply of hormonal birth control without a prescription, including birth control pills, vaginal rings, and contraceptive patches, to both residents and out-of-state visitors. The aim is to improve access to contraception and safeguard reproductive freedoms, in contrast to other states that are restricting them. This move aligns with New York's efforts to establish itself as a safe harbor for reproductive care, including allocating funds to support health care workers and reproductive health care providers.