How Are You Supposed To Get The COVID Vaccine Now? An Explainer. “If you are not in one of the 16-ish states requiring a prescription for a COVID vaccine, you should be able to self-report a condition and receive your vaccine.”
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Comments 3
What times we live in, because this article is already out of date! Massachusetts (where I live) just issued standing orders that simplify COVID vaccine eligibility to its pre-RFK status. Fully covered by insurance, available to anyone 6 months or older, bookable at pharmacies. From coverage in the Boston Globe, sounds like the beginning of a New England vaccine alliance of some sort.
It goes even farther than I thought! Per WBUR, these relaxed guidelines apply to all kinds of seasonal and childhood vaccines as well. https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/09/05/massachusetts-covid-vaccine-insurance-guidelines-rfk-cdc
MA and other states' authority probably only extends to fully-insured plans here. For larger companies that self-insure their medical, federal law (ERISA preemption) generally prevents states from regulating their designs. The hope is that employers and insurers will do the right thing here.
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