On September 19, 2025, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to change what had been a universal COVID-19 vaccine recommendation (except for HHS’ recent change for those under age 18) to “shared clinical decision-making”, including for those 65 and older. For those under 65, ACIP added that the assessment should include “an emphasis that the risk-benefit of vaccination is most favorable for individuals who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease and lowest for individuals who are not at an increased risk, according to the CDC list of COVID-19 risk factors.” These recommendations, should they be adopted by the CDC Director, mean that all individuals are recommended to have an individual assessment and interaction with a health care provider to determine whether getting a COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for them. If that determination is made, insurers should cover the vaccine at no-cost, although it is possible that some consumers may face challenges. (source)
So the change is that it’s no longer routinely recommended for everyone, but it’s supported if the patient and healthcare professional agree. Simplicity of access varies and some states have mandated that a pharmacist qualifies to make this decision, while others haven’t, but as long as you don’t have a doctor who is anti-vax, you should be able to get one.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure my state (Colorado) took special measures to not even require some “precondition” that you or your doctor have to make up. Last I looked, in Colorado, at least with certain vendors, you don’t even have to lie and say you are overweight, etc., and you can just go to Walgreen’s, Krogers, etc…and get the vaccine, although you probably (?) have to pay for it?
While I have zero problem with lying because a corrupted government came along and required it, I don’t know with 100% certainty that insurance companies won’t use that against me later, so for that reason alone, I’d rather not make up some phony precondition.
Yes, this summarizes the latest guidance:
So the change is that it’s no longer routinely recommended for everyone, but it’s supported if the patient and healthcare professional agree. Simplicity of access varies and some states have mandated that a pharmacist qualifies to make this decision, while others haven’t, but as long as you don’t have a doctor who is anti-vax, you should be able to get one.
More info from the CDC here about what “shared clinical decision-making” means.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure my state (Colorado) took special measures to not even require some “precondition” that you or your doctor have to make up. Last I looked, in Colorado, at least with certain vendors, you don’t even have to lie and say you are overweight, etc., and you can just go to Walgreen’s, Krogers, etc…and get the vaccine, although you probably (?) have to pay for it?
While I have zero problem with lying because a corrupted government came along and required it, I don’t know with 100% certainty that insurance companies won’t use that against me later, so for that reason alone, I’d rather not make up some phony precondition.