On August 27, 2025, the FDA revoked the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID‑19 vaccines for the general public. Now, healthy individuals under age 65 no longer have convenient access to the vaccines. The end of EUAs marks a major change in COVID-19 vaccine accessibility. Now, only high-risk groups can receive vaccines through standard approval pathways. For others, getting vaccinated will be considered “off label,” potentially reducing access and raising insurance complexities. This information will continue to evolve, with upcoming CDC guidance and state-level regulations likely determining whether vaccination remains accessible at local pharmacies. VMS, working alongside AAPVT, ACOGVT and VTAFP will continue to monitor and work with state and national partners to advocate for science and the health and safety of Vermonters. Attend the VMS Public Health Update Webinar next Thursday, September 4th from 12:30-1pm with the VDH immunization department staff to learn more (see details below).
Here is what we know to date:
Who Still Has Access – and How
Vaccination remains available for:
- Adults 65 years and older,
- Individuals 6 months to 64 years with at least one underlying high-risk condition (appears undefined by the FDA, and may be defined further by ACIP; the current CDC list can be found here, and includes asthma, obesity, pregnancy, physical inactivity and more).
Others can still receive vaccines, but only off-label, potentially introducing insurance and logistical hurdles including requiring a prescription to receive a vaccine at a pharmacy.
Vaccine Status Updates
- Pfizer now has full FDA approval for:
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- Adults 65+,
- Ages 5–64 with high-risk conditions.
- Moderna is approved for high-risk children as young as 6 months.
- Novavax is approved for high-risk individuals 12 and older.
What’s Next
- The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to issue updated guidance soon—critical especially in states where pharmacists rely on ACIP recommendations to administer vaccines and may require a prescription to administer an off-label vaccine.
- Without clear guidance, pharmacy based vaccination programs may face serious disruptions.
In a statement released by AAP on Wednesday, they reiterated their vaccine recommendations for COVID with Dr. Kressly stating:
“The AAP recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children ages 6 months through 23 months. Beyond age 2, we recommend annual shots for children and teens with health conditions that make COVID-19 especially risky. Any parent who wants their child vaccinated should have access to this vaccine” Read full statement here.
Last week the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released updated clinical guidance regarding vaccination during pregnancy against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The three guidance documents, all of which recommend maternal immunization, lay out the full body of current scientific evidence that underscores the safety and benefits of choosing to be vaccinated against these respiratory conditions during pregnancy.
“It is well documented that respiratory conditions can cause poor outcomes during pregnancy, with pregnant women facing both severe illness and threats to the health of their pregnancy. Thanks to vaccines, severe outcomes from respiratory infections are largely preventable,” said Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, president of ACOG.
