File photo
As of September 10, Virginians 18 years and older with at least one underlying condition, and everyone over 65 years old, can obtain a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription.
The statewide order comes as health officials grapple with regulations ahead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s September 18-19 meeting. The existing CDC schedule utilizes last year’s formulation for the COVID-19 vaccine, creating confusion around the newly released doses, which are designed to better protect against strains likely to circulate this year.
“We realize this has been top of mind for many Virginians in the past several days,” said Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton. “We are resolved to increase access to the updated formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Virginians.”
The Virginia Department of Health “encourages” those 18 to 64 years old without an underlying condition, and everyone under 18, “to speak with their healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.” Qualifying health conditions include, but are not limited to, asthma, cancer, heart conditions, lung disease, mental health conditions, obesity, and smoking.
