As the 2025-26 vaccine season approaches, new covid-19 vaccine eligibility guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Aug. 27 have created confusion across Pennsylvania, with many unsure about whether they will be able to receive the vaccine. These guidelines limit eligibility to individuals 65 and older and anyone six months or older who has at least one high-risk health condition. Previously, anyone six months and older could receive the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Sept. 18-19 to provide further recommendations. However, in the current absence of official guidance, some major pharmacy chains, including CVS, began requiring prescriptions for people under 65.
Michelle Jeon, PharmD, associate professor of clinical pharmacy, said without clear direction from the ACIP, pharmacies struggled to interpret the new rules, which delayed access to the vaccine for many.
“There were some pharmacies that had the vaccine, and it was in stock and it was in their store, but they didn’t have the guidance of when they’re allowed to administer it and who they’re allowed to administer it to,” Jeon said.
The confusion surrounding eligibility prompted Gov. Josh Shapiro to call on the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy to take action. The board voted Sept. 3 to allow pharmacists to follow recommendations from several trusted medical bodies, including the FDA, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. All four of these organizations have supported expanding access to the covid vaccine, especially for those who qualify under the FDA’s new guidelines.
Jeon recommended that anyone who is uncertain of their eligibility call their local pharmacy to ask about their specific eligibility criteria, as there could be some differences in guidance depending on what organization’s guidelines a pharmacy chooses to follow.
“Across the board, those over the age of 65 should be eligible, regardless of their risk,” Jeon said. “I would also ask patients when they’re calling their pharmacy to see if they’re eligible to make sure that it’s covered under their insurance because insurance plans do update their coverage on an annual basis, so it’s hard to predict whether it’s covered or not this year.”
Sally Kuykendall, Ph.D., professor of health services, wrote in an email to The Hawk that while there are many strategies to help prevent and control infectious diseases, vaccinations are highly effective.
“Anyone, staff or students, deciding whether to get the vaccine should speak with a trusted healthcare provider who has your best interests in mind, someone who knows your personal medical history and has earned professional training in disease prevention,” Kuykendall said.
In the midst of these regulatory changes, St. Joe’s is ensuring its community has access to the vaccine.
The Student Health Center is hosting combined covid and flu clinics, open to all students, faculty and staff, Eileen Bevilacqua, RN, director of the Student Health Center, wrote in an email to The Hawk.
The first clinic will take place at the University City campus Oct. 7 in the Integrated Professional Education Complex 202 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Following clinics will take place on the Hawk Hill campus Oct. 9 in the North Lounge in Campion Student Center from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Oct. 15 in the North Lounge from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants must bring their insurance card and state-issued ID.
The flu and covid vaccines are recommended but not required for faculty, staff and students, according to Bevilacqua.
