North Carolina Drops Prescription Requirement for COVID Boosters for Adults 65+
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolinians aged 65 and older can now receive a COVID-19 booster shot without a prescription, thanks to new standing orders issued by State Health Director Larry Greenblatt.
Standing Order Removes Barriers
The decision comes after weeks of confusion and frustration among residents and providers over access to the latest boosters. As of September 12, anyone 65 or older, or 18 to 64 with qualifying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, cancer, pregnancy, or certain disabilities, can get a booster at a pharmacy without visiting a doctor for a prescription.
Governor Josh Stein praised the move, saying it removes “unnecessary red tape” at a time when COVID activity in wastewater is rising statewide. “This is about choice,” Stein said. “It is not a mandate.”
State Responds to Rising Cases
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported a sharp increase in COVID detections this month, just as cooler fall weather approaches. Health officials warn that seasonal respiratory viruses — including flu, RSV, and COVID — will pose higher risks in the coming months.
Dev Sangvai, NCDHHS Secretary, said pharmacies had been forced to turn people away under the old rules. “Requiring an office visit to obtain a prescription… is an unnecessary barrier,” he noted, adding that nearly 70% of North Carolinians get their COVID vaccines at pharmacies.
National Context and Concerns
The update aligns North Carolina with 40 other states that already allow walk-in access to boosters without a prescription.
The change comes amid national controversy, as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has rolled back CDC vaccine guidance, removing COVID recommendations for children and pregnant women. State leaders, however, say they will continue to ground their policies in public health science.
What Residents Should Know
- People 65+ can now walk into any participating pharmacy for a booster.
- Adults 18–64 with preexisting conditions are also covered under the order.
- Others outside these groups will still need a prescription from a provider.
- Pharmacies are stocked with the newest boosters, though officials suggest calling ahead to confirm availability.
Do you plan to get the updated COVID booster now that prescriptions are no longer required in North Carolina? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
