Across the United States, the landscape for COVID-19 vaccine access is shifting once again, with state leaders in North Carolina and Arizona taking decisive steps to break down barriers for those seeking the latest round of immunizations. In the wake of new federal guidelines and mounting public confusion, both states have issued standing orders that promise to make the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine more widely available to high-risk residents—without the need for a doctor’s prescription.
On September 12, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein addressed the media, highlighting a significant roadblock that had left many residents in limbo. "Right now, North Carolina is one of only a handful of states where people must get a prescription before they can get a shot at the pharmacy," Stein said during the press conference, as reported by WTVD. "This is unnecessary red tape." The state’s law had previously required pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine only to patients over the age of 18 who had a prescription, leading major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens to scale back availability.
But with the new standing orders, Stein explained, pharmacies statewide can now provide COVID-19 vaccines to senior citizens and adults over 18 who meet the CDC’s list of high-risk conditions—no patient-specific prescription needed. "Dr. Greenblatt has issued these orders which allows pharmacies statewide to provide COVID-19 vaccines to senior citizens, as well as adults over 18 who meet the CDC's list of high-risk conditions without having to get a patient-specific prescription," Stein clarified. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed that most pharmacies already have the updated 2025-2026 vaccine in stock, though they recommend calling ahead and making an appointment if necessary.
Some county health departments, such as the Durham County Department of Public Health, have not yet begun providing the vaccine. However, there is optimism that this will soon change. In a statement to ABC11, the department stated, "As of right now, we have not yet begun providing COVID-19 vaccines here in the Durham County Department of Public Health, but after today's announcement we do expect that we will be able to provide vaccines to eligible individuals 18 and older without a provider's prescription under Governor Stein's new order. We will share additional updates when we are able to begin scheduling appointments."
The situation in Arizona has mirrored many of North Carolina’s recent challenges. On September 13, 2025, Governor Katie Hobbs signed an Executive Order designed to sidestep the prescription bottleneck. According to 13 News, the order authorizes the Arizona Department of Health to issue a standing order that functions as a blanket prescription, making it easier for residents to access the vaccine at pharmacies without individual doctor approval.
This move comes at a time when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has narrowed eligibility for the latest COVID-19 boosters. Approved in August 2025, the new round of vaccines is limited to those over 65 or with other immunocompromising conditions—a stark contrast to earlier vaccine rollouts that were open to anyone over six months old. The change has sown confusion among both providers and the public.
Gina Pratt, a 60-year-old Arizonan recovering from invasive breast cancer, shared her frustration with 13 News. After her primary care physician was unable to prescribe her the vaccine, Pratt said, "I just feel really let down, after all these people who sought to help me and save my life." She added, "I could just cry if it just weren’t so upsetting." Pratt’s struggle is not unique. Crystal Rambaud, with the Pima County Health Department, acknowledged the wave of calls and emails from residents trying to navigate the new eligibility rules. "I would tell them it’s okay to be confused, because there certainly has been a lot of confusing information, especially this year," Rambaud said.
In response, the Pima County Health Department has broadened its own standing order to be as “broad and inclusive” as possible, aiming to serve the community’s needs even as state and federal guidance continues to evolve. Rambaud explained, "While it doesn’t necessarily change our operations yet, it could open the door for a possible writing of a state standing order which would allow broader access in the community." For now, Pima County Health Clinics will provide COVID-19 vaccines to most people who want them, though appointments are required and supply remains limited. The department expects to receive more shipments in October 2025.
Uncertainty lingers, however, as many healthcare providers and health departments await further direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The panel is scheduled to meet September 18-19 in Atlanta, Georgia, and will issue its annual recommendations—guidance that could further clarify who should receive the latest boosters and when. Banner Health, a major provider in Arizona, told 13 News, "We continue to closely monitor recommendations from federal health agencies and are awaiting the outcome from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting scheduled next week. Banner Health will provide updated COVID-19 booster recommendations the week of September 22 that are science-backed and tailored to meet individual patient needs. Our commitment remains focused on delivering safe, effective, and personalized care that protects the health and well-being of those we serve."
For patients like Pratt, the waiting game continues. "The second message I got from [Banner] said if you qualify," she recounted. "If, and I was like…I think in most people’s minds I should qualify." Rambaud, meanwhile, emphasized the department’s commitment: "We will do everything we can to ensure access for our community in a way that lines up with expert opinion on who’s recommended to get it, who needs to be protected."
The recent executive orders in both North Carolina and Arizona reflect a growing recognition among state leaders that public health policy must adapt quickly in response to federal changes—and to public demand. By removing the prescription requirement, both states hope to reduce confusion, speed up vaccine delivery, and protect those most at risk as the pandemic continues to evolve. As more vaccine shipments arrive and national guidelines are updated, residents in both states can expect even greater clarity and access in the weeks ahead.
With federal and state agencies working to align their recommendations and policies, the coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the newest COVID-19 vaccines reach those who need them most. For now, though, residents in North Carolina and Arizona have reason to hope that the days of waiting, confusion, and bureaucratic hurdles may soon be behind them.
