WARNING: Are you planning to get a COVIID booster soon?

Your pharmacist is full of shit, OP.

I got my booster last week - the updated serum is out now - and I didn't require a prescription. It didn't cost me one thin dime. And I'm in my mid-30s, with no chronic health conditions.

I booked through Walgreens' website, clicked "yes" to the question "Do you have one or more of this lengthy list of chronic health conditions," and got my jab straight away. The pharmie didn't ask any questions or give me any ominous warnings.

Also, it's unlikely your pharmacist would know this degree of detail about which insurance plans will cover Paxlovid this winter, and the specific costs they will and won't cover.

Also, insurance companies have already set their coverage rates for this year's vaccine/flu/COVID season. It's against policy and the law for them to magically change their rules overnight. They might change them for next year, but they're already set for this year.

Your pharmacist is full of crap, and she scared you for no reason.

You can get the shot at commercial pharmacies. It costs nothing. For this year, anyway.

Different states, different rules. Calif & my HMO require nothing except that the patient show up, starting yesterday. But that's not the case everywhere.

That was last week. Things may have changed by this week. As the pharmacist said, the regulations are literally changing daily.

Got it 2 weekends ago at Walgreens. Free and easy,

R3 Check the Walgreens website. They're still giving the jab, free and easy, with no prescription needed.

FDA regulations do not, in fact, change daily. But even if they did, insurance policies do not change daily. Their cost accounting and regulatory compliance would not allow that degree of constant flexibility.

Okay, I did some googling and found this, at least for my state

In Georgia, a doctor's prescription is currently required for most people to receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine at major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. This is a new policy change due to federal regulatory uncertainty and applies "at least for now," according to the Georgia Pharmacy Association. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) does not require a prescription for vaccines administered through its facilities. However, the DPH was awaiting firm guidance from a federal committee before widespread distribution of the new vaccine formula began.

Why a prescription is needed at pharmacies

The new requirement at many pharmacies is a direct result of recent actions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): With a prescription: A doctor can write a prescription for the vaccine for anyone, including for "off-label" use for people not in the specific FDA-approved groups. With a prescription, you can go to a pharmacy to get the shot. Without a prescription: You can get the vaccine from a Georgia Department of Public Health facility without needing an individual prescription. However, vaccine supply and administration will depend on when DPH facilities receive and distribute the new doses. At a MinuteClinic: CVS MinuteClinic locations in Georgia can administer the vaccine to individuals who meet the FDA eligibility criteria (65+ or 6 months+ with a qualifying health condition).

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This is what I found regarding the insurance coverage for Paxlovid now.

As of September 16, 2025, the coverage of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) by insurance varies depending on the specific plan and the patient's circumstances.

Medicare: Some Medicare plans may cover Paxlovid, but coverage is not universal.

Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of Paxlovid also varies by state and plan. Commercial insurance: Many commercial health insurance plans cover Paxlovid, but there may be copays or deductibles. Patient assistance programs: Pfizer, the manufacturer of Paxlovid, offers a patient assistance program that may provide financial assistance to eligible patients who do not have insurance coverage.

It is recommended to contact your health insurance provider or pharmacy directly to inquire about Paxlovid coverage and any associated costs.

YES!! This Friday...my pharmacist called me yesterday told me to get my faggot ass in to get my new flu& Covid shots.

I hope you know who succumbs to it.......

My pharmacist: This will cost you THOUSANDS and you need DR. note right now! Also, that wart on your dick needs to be looked at right now!

You are arguing about TWO DIFFERENT THINGS -one is the Covid VACCINE; the other, (PAXLOVID) , is the MEDICATION which is used to treat mild cases of Covid at home. TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS.

I had mine yesterday. It was free.

The state of the treatment cost is totally screwed up at the moment. I have a relative who has worked in two hospitals respiratory wards throughout this mess, she managed to avoid covid until a few months ago, her insurance wouldn't cover the paxlovid or was a 500.00 deductible, some kind of bs, but the pharmacist was able to use a code to get it covered for her. I was shocked as she a respiratory therapist and shouldn't have any problems getting treatment. This happened in CT.

I got my Covid vax today, even more painless than usual. Seriously if I hadn’t been watching I would think he hadn’t done it yet. It was like a finger lightly touched my arm. Lots of slots open at the pharmacy, I got in right away. Nurse said it was because CDC just okayed it on Saturday? Read that RFK jr wants to restrict it more so that motivated me.

I got mine two weeks ago. Made an appointment on the CVS website. It asked about any medical conditions (as it does for every vaccine), but made the appointment with no problem. Got the Covid shot and the flu shot at the same time. Both free, and no questions asked. I am in California and have an HMO.

Checking online, there is NO federal requirement for a prescription for the Covid jab. It is currently up to individual pharmacies to decide, pending more clarification from the CDC. If your pharmacist is asking for one, go someplace else!

I had Covid last week. I don't need the booster anymore, do I? May get the annual flu shot though.

Your natural post-infection immunity from Covid lasts about 3-4 months. If I were you, I'd get the jab as a Christmas present to yourself. :)

I got mine. They aren’t supposed to be requiring a prescription in New York per Hochul’s order, but Duane Reade tried to kick up a fuss. Not the pharmacist, their system. I told the woman I’d prescribe it to myself and anyone else who was waiting if she was going to do that, but they ended up giving it to me, no charge.

Hit like a freight train, so I know it worked.

Got mine easily at a CVS in Ohio last Friday in case anything changes, as we’re traveling internationally in a few months. Will wait until Oct. for flu shot so its effectiveness lasts the flu season.

I went to CVS this morning to get my flu and Covid vaccine, but only got the flu shot because insurance would not cover the Covid shot and it was $225 retail. Called the insurance company and learned that they will indeed cover the vaccine, but not until after September 29. Go figure.

No. I got the 2nd shot (or booster) and nothing after that.

I will get a flu vaccine, tho. I had a bad flu about 20 years ago, and it was 10x worse than COVID.

Got mine today at a CVS in Pennsylvania.

No questions asked and no insurance card needed.

Yes I am. My state was one that required a prescription even if you were over 65 or sick but last week they reversed that.

Got mine two weeks ago in suburban Philly at my local CVS. Governor told RFK to suck wind, and that PA would follow real medical guidance. Vaccines for everyone.

You better believe I am getting my Covid and flu shot at the end of next week, OP.

Why do you people put up with this nonsense?

With what? Stupid posts?

No, R26, with unelected unqualified political hacks trading on their surname making policy decisions based on the fact that the average American is a fucking idiot.

How's that for a stupid post?

I’ve never had the Covid booster shot. I only had the initial Moderna vaccine. I spent NYE 2022 with Covid that week but that was it.

I’m not old or fat though.

[quote]Got it 2 weekends ago at Walgreens. Free and easy

That’s my style!

Last week the VA told us to check back in two weeks (we're trying to get my old Dad the new booster).

Got a flu shot and the pharmacist handed a list if 7 shots I’m due for. Covid oddly wasn’t on it.

This years rates were put in place before the Big Beautiful Pile of Shit Bill.

IT IS NEXT YEAR WHEN THE SHIT HITS THE FAN.

Just in time for the midterms, R32!

[quote]I’m not old or fat though.

Then what the hell are you doing on DataLounge?

R28 But you ARE a gaping, prolapsed asshole. Do you suffer from chronic piles?

R34 Marry me!

I have an appointment in NYC to get a Covid booster. No prescription.

One thing I'm noticing about this COVID booster as opposed to all the others I've had is that the day after my arm is not sore at all and I don't have the big hard lump under the skin at the injection site.

r37 I had it yesterday around 1pm at Kaiser and my arm is sore, but not horribly so. No big lump though.

I am starting to feel kind of snotty and yuck though, but assuming that will be the extent of it, given I'm about 23 hours out from the jab.

Guess what, fellow DLers! This is what I got from the VA today.

[quote]Hello, The COVID vaccines are currently on hold until we receive updated CDC guidance. The flu shot are still not available. We will send a message when the flu shots are available. We value your service to our country and for allowing us to serve you.

Guess I won't be getting the Covid shot from the VA. And since I live in FL, I don't know if I'll be able to get one anywhere.

I knew this was gonna happen. The VA is the Feds, and the Feds are the Feds. They do what the Master says.

[quote]We value your service to our country and for allowing us to serve you.

"That said, we don't care if you get Covid in the next few weeks and die a horrible death."

Had one in May. Plan to get another in November. I am 66 and I hope Medicare will still pay for it.

Then you may want to move your next up a bit, because there's now some talk about making the vaccine only available to those over 75. That's supposed to be decided on soon.

It depends where you live. I live in a State that that provides them without an Rx. Some you need one from your primary, some the DOH has secured orders from their director (a physician) - but everyone should be able to get one - you might have to pay for it though. So far, the government is trying to eliminate it. Vaccines are the only reason we can live in large communities without being ravaged by disease....but guess those days are soon to disappear.