On Sept. 6, 2025, Central Florida residents reported confusion and frustration after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration narrowed eligibility for the 2025–26 COVID-19 booster to people 65 and older or those with specified medical conditions, while many Florida pharmacies said they would not offer the shots until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issue further guidance.
Key Takeaways
- The FDA on Aug. 27 limited the new 2025–26 COVID-19 boosters to people 65+ and certain high-risk medical groups.
- Many Florida pharmacies are pausing distribution pending CDC/ACIP guidance; some states require prescriptions.
- Retail chains differ in practice: CVS can provide shots with an authorized prescriber’s prescription or via MinuteClinic evaluation; Walgreens in Florida is awaiting ACIP guidance.
- Medicare will cover the shots; private insurance coverage remains unclear and out-of-pocket cost can reach about $150.
- The ACIP public meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18–19 and is expected to issue formal recommendations.
Verified Facts
The FDA issued revised authorization on Aug. 27, 2025, restricting the 2025–26 COVID-19 booster to adults aged 65 and older and to people with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe disease—examples cited by health agencies include asthma, obesity, cancer, history of smoking and some immunocompromising conditions.
ACIP, the CDC advisory panel, is slated to meet publicly on Sept. 18–19. Many retail pharmacies in Florida told customers they would not begin administering the new booster until ACIP issues eligibility guidance or the state provides direction.
Pharmacies across the country have adopted different approaches: CVS said it will provide the updated vaccine to patients who present an authorized prescriber’s prescription and that its MinuteClinic clinicians can evaluate patients and issue prescriptions when appropriate. Walgreens confirmed that its Florida locations are holding doses until they receive ACIP guidance for the state.
According to public statements and industry guidance, Medicare will reimburse the vaccine because of the FDA approval; however, private insurer coverage varies and some patients may face fees up to roughly $150 if uninsured or not covered.
Context & Impact
Retail pharmacies have been the primary venue for COVID-19 vaccinations: the CDC reported that more than 90% of U.S. COVID-19 doses administered last year were given at pharmacies. A pause or patchwork of state rules could limit access for seniors and people with mobility or transportation barriers.
State-level rules have created inconsistency. At least a dozen states are requiring prescriptions or prescriber authorization to obtain the booster, while most states allow pharmacists to administer FDA-authorized vaccines without a separate prescription. That divide has prompted some residents to travel out of state where policies differ.
Recent leadership changes at the CDC and ACIP have added to public uncertainty. Reports that CDC leadership and ACIP membership were restructured this year have drawn attention and congressional questions; the circumstances around those personnel moves remain described by officials as unclear in public reporting.
Official Statements
“This authorization is evolving and pharmacies are awaiting ACIP recommendations to finalize distribution plans,” said a pharmacy industry spokesperson summarizing recent chain guidance.
Retail pharmacy statements / press releases
Unconfirmed
- Public accounts and social posts claiming universal access in Florida without prescription remain inconsistent and are not confirmed across pharmacies.
- The precise internal reasons for recent CDC and ACIP personnel changes have not been fully disclosed in public records.
Bottom Line
The FDA’s Aug. 27 decision narrowed eligibility for the 2025–26 COVID-19 booster and yielded a patchwork of pharmacy practices and state rules that left many Florida residents uncertain where or how to get the shot. ACIP’s public meeting on Sept. 18–19 should clarify national recommendations; meanwhile, people who meet the FDA criteria should contact their primary care provider, check MinuteClinic options, and confirm insurance or Medicare coverage before scheduling.