ICYMI: Pennsylvania’s State Board of Pharmacy Acts After Governor Shapiro Pushes to Protect Vaccine Access Across the Commonwealth

“Pharmacists are now once again positioned to serve Pennsylvania patients and families who count on the convenience of pharmacy-based vaccines.”

“With COVID and flu season upon us, the Board’s decision puts patients first by allowing them to make the healthiest choices for themselves, their families, and communities.”

September 04, 2025

Harrisburg, PA – As the federal government has sowed deep uncertainty about where and how Pennsylvanians could access COVID vaccines, Governor Josh Shapiro called on the State Board of Pharmacy (Board) to act immediately — and yesterday, the Board voted to protect COVID vaccine access for those most in need and provide clarity for Pennsylvanians.

Last week, after the Trump Administration upended COVID vaccine access across Pennsylvania, major pharmacies like CVS had to stop offering COVID vaccines to all Pennsylvanians — including seniors and people with underlying health conditions who still met the newly restricted criteria from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The uncertainty caused pharmacies to require prescriptions for COVID vaccines in Pennsylvania, a sharp departure from the routine, accessible system people previously relied on.

Governor Shapiro immediately called on the Board to fix this situation and restore access. Yesterday’s vote allows Pennsylvania pharmacists to follow vaccine recommendations from trusted authorities — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the FDA — instead of waiting for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to act.

This change aligns Pennsylvania with neighboring states and ensures clarity for pharmacies and patients alike.

What people are saying about the board’s vote:

Victoria E. Elliott, CEO, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association: “The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association commends the State Board of Pharmacy on their decision to authorize additional competent authority treatment guidelines for injectable immunizations, removing potential barriers to vaccine access as we continue to navigate the uncertainty of vaccine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Pharmacists are now once again positioned to serve Pennsylvania patients and families who count on the convenience of pharmacy-based vaccines. Thank you to the Shapiro Administration staff for your prompt response to our concerns and urging immediate action on this issue.”

Heather Beauparlant, President, Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians: “As family doctors, we believe expanding options for patients and their physicians empowers them to make more informed health care decisions. With COVID and flu season upon us, the Board’s decision puts patients first by allowing them to make the healthiest choices for themselves, their families, and communities.”

Sid Tenneti, Senior Vice President, Retail Pharmacy, CVS Health: “Following today’s regulatory action by the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy will ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are available as soon as possible at our locations throughout Pennsylvania. Appointments can be scheduled online via CVS.com, through the CVS Health app, or patients can walk into our pharmacies and clinics.”