Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine

What to Know About Standing Orders

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It’s an official authorization that allows pharmacists to give vaccines without needing a doctor’s prescription for certain groups.

Normally, pharmacists follow federal guidelines. Since the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) hasn’t given updated guidance yet, state law usually requires a prescription for COVID vaccines for people under 65 without high-risk conditions. This new Standing Order temporarily removes that barrier for eligible groups and is in line with what the federal Food and Drug Administration has approved.

Getting the Vaccine

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As approved by the FDA, adults 65+ and adults 18-64 who have certain high-risk health conditions. The list of health conditions is broad and includes:

  • Obesity
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Physical inactivity
  • Depression,  
  • Smoking (now or in the past)
  • Pregnancy
  • And many others

You can check the CDC’s list of conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.  If you’re unsure, talk with your health care provider.

No. This Standing Order only applies to adults because of state law. Children and teens should talk with their health care providers about vaccination. 

Professional medical organizations continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for the following groups: 

  1. All young children 6 – 23 months;
  2. Children and adolescents ages 2 years – 18 years who are at high risk of severe COVID-19, residents of long-term care facilities or other group settings, those who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19, or those who may live with people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19; and
  3. Children and teens not in the groups above whose parent or guardian desires the protection offered by the vaccine.  

Vaccines remain an important part of overall health and well-being and are one of the most effective means available to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. They help protect the health of children and adults, their families and the entire community from the spread of infectious diseases.

Parents should talk with their health care provider or their child’s health care provider about the benefits and any concerns regarding seasonal vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. You may be able to get your child vaccinated at your provider's office, although the COVID-19 vaccine for children may not be widely available yet, as we are still waiting on the federal CDC Vaccines for Children Program. 

Professional medical organizations continue to recommend COVID vaccination for anyone who is pregnant and breastfeeding. 

Call your pharmacy ahead of time to check availability and make an appointment if needed. Bring your insurance card if you have one. You may be asked a few simple questions about your health to confirm eligibility.

Yes, most pharmacists have a supply of COVID-19 vaccines. You may want to call and check to be sure.

 

COVID-19 vaccines are covered by most insurance plans. Check with your pharmacy and insurance provider. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, contact your local health department, a federally qualified health center, or a rural health center for assistance.

Yes. Doctors and pharmacists recommend COVID-19 vaccines as safe and effective tools to protect you and your community. For more information on vaccine safety, visit the CDC's website or the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy’s Vaccine Integrity Project website.