Several pharmacies in Arlington, Virginia, are now offering COVID-19 vaccinations without requiring a prescription, marking a significant shift in accessibility. This change follows updated federal guidelines and recent regulatory actions in Virginia. CVS, for example, has altered its policy, confirming that they can now provide the vaccine without a patient-specific prescription, citing FDA approval and state regulations. A spokesperson stated that Virginia law allows for prescriber protocol arrangements authorizing pharmacist-administered vaccinations for adults.
This new accessibility is also evident at Safeway pharmacies in the area. A Safeway in Falls Church, and reportedly all 33 Virginia Safeway locations with pharmacies, currently advertise COVID-19 shots for individuals aged 18 and older without requiring a prescription. An ARLnow reporter successfully received a vaccine at one of these locations without a prescription to confirm this policy.
While Safeway's parent company, Albertsons, did not immediately provide comment, their website reflects this policy change, noting that the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines are intended for those 65 and older, or younger individuals at increased risk of severe illness. Those over 18 with Virginia zip codes can currently schedule appointments online.
Further clarification is expected following the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting on September 18-19. The Virginia Department of Health anticipates an ACIP vote on the updated vaccines at this meeting, stating that if the CDC approves, pharmacists will be authorized to administer the vaccine. The department also advises Virginians to contact healthcare providers for vaccine information or prescription requests.
The change signifies increased convenience and access to COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible residents in the Arlington area and highlights the evolving landscape of vaccine distribution policies.
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Originally published at: https://www.arlnow.com/2025/09/10/some-arlington-pharmacies-begin-offering-covid-19-shots-without-prescriptions/
