Sep 23, 2025 - News

Who can get vaxxed?

A choropleth map of U.S. states showing COVID-19 vaccine availability for adults as of September 17, 2025. Six states (Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, West Virginia, Utah and Nevada) require a prescription for specific age groups. The remaining states and D.C. do not require a prescription. 24 states, mostly on the coasts, have taken action to maintain vaccine access. — Data: Common Health Coalition and Your Local Epidemiologist; Note: Actions include legislative changes, executive orders and pharmacy board directives; Map: Axios Visuals

Sick szn is approaching — and many are feeling confused about COVID vaccine protocol across the DMV.

Why it matters: Some states are making their own vaccine rules to bypass Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's vaccine restrictions.

State of play: Anyone in D.C. over the age of 3 can get the vaccine without a prescription, thanks to an emergency bill passed last week by the D.C. Council that lasts for 90 days.

In Virginia: Anyone 65 and older can get the vaccine without a prescription, as well as those between 18 and 64 years old with at least one underlying condition.
In Maryland: Health care providers can give the vaccine to anyone 6 months and older, while it's 3 years and older for pharmacists — no prescription necessary.

Zoom in: The wastewater viral activity for COVID in D.C., Maryland and Virginia is currently high, per the CDC's latest data.

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Who can get vaxxed?

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