Tuesday

10-21-2025 Vol 2120

New COVID-19 Vaccine Approval Creates Eligibility Hurdles for Healthy Texans

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.

However, this decision has led to new challenges for healthy Texans seeking to receive their shots this fall.

The recent FDA approval primarily targets individuals aged 65 and older, along with those possessing underlying health conditions that heighten their risk for severe illness.

This marks a significant policy change from previous years when COVID-19 vaccines were available to most Americans without regard to age or health status.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), numerous underlying conditions qualify for vaccination, including diabetes, asthma, and even pregnancy.

Interestingly, “physical inactivity” also appears on this list.

Rannon Ching, who serves as the pharmacist-in-charge at Tarrytown Pharmacy, commented on the broad criteria for people under 64 years of age.

He believes that most individuals would likely fit into one of these qualifying categories.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested in a social media post that anyone interested in the vaccine could potentially receive it after consulting with their doctor.

However, the protocol for prescribing the vaccine may vary between doctors and medical practices.

In some instances, healthcare providers might choose to offer the vaccine to patients outside of the FDA’s guidance, a practice known as prescribing “off-label.”

A doctor may also assess a patient’s risk level for conditions not explicitly mentioned by the CDC as risk factors for severe disease.

Dr. Desmar Walkes, the health authority for Austin-Travis County, encouraged individuals to discuss their conditions with their healthcare providers, promoting shared decision-making to determine eligibility.

Dr. Manish Naik, the chief medical officer for Austin Regional Clinic, stated that ARC would recommend vaccination for pregnant patients and children aged 6 months to 23 months, regardless of any risk factors.

This aligns with guidance from reputable organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

For other patients, Naik advised discussions about the risks and benefits of vaccination with healthcare providers.

If patients choose to proceed with vaccination, the vaccines will be available for them.

In addition to clinics, many pharmacies will continue to administer the COVID-19 vaccines.

While some states require pharmacists to wait for CDC recommendations before proceeding, Texas law allows them to prescribe FDA-approved vaccines to individuals over 14, provided that a consulting physician is in place, regardless of CDC guidance.

In Texas, numerous pharmacies are asking patients to self-attest whether they have any underlying conditions prior to making an appointment for a COVID vaccine.

At CVS, this entails checking a simple “yes” or “no” box.

In contrast, Tarrytown Pharmacy requires patients to select from a list of conditions.

Ching expressed his desire to serve as a resource for clients who may be confused about their vaccine eligibility under the FDA’s new guidelines.

He encouraged the public to avoid getting overwhelmed by the changes.

Having already administered the updated Moderna vaccine following a recent shipment, Ching emphasized the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable pharmacists.

“Do your homework; talk to your pharmacist,” he advised.

image source from:kut

Abigail Harper