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Pharmacies Curtail Covid Vaccines in 16 States as Confusion Over Federal Guidance Disrupts Access

Reporting links the patchwork limits to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s policy shifts at HHS.

Overview

  • Erick Erickson said his wife, who has Stage 4 lung cancer, was unable to get a Covid shot at CVS because of what he called a mess at HHS.
  • A CVS spokeswoman said the vaccine was unavailable at pharmacies in 16 states, citing the current regulatory environment and noting the list could change.
  • A New York Times reporter found Walgreens’ scheduling site required prescriptions for Covid shots in 16 states, a different set from CVS that underscores inconsistent access.
  • Media coverage attributes the rollout confusion to actions under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including narrowed eligibility guidance and changes to CDC vaccine advisory members.
  • Erickson defended the vaccine’s benefit for his wife by contrasting her mild illness after vaccination in 2021 with a prolonged recovery from an unboosted infection in October 2024.