Good morning

I have received many questions about the status of pharmacists ordering and administering COVID-19 vaccines.  As you know, pharmacist immunization authority to order/prescribe immunizations in WV is from the latest notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, including, but not limited to, CDC's recommended immunization schedule for adults and children and adolescents.  On August 27, 2025, the FDA approved the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines. There are significant changes in the labeling for these products this year.

• Moderna-Spikevax:
  • 65 years of age and older, or
  • 6 months through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19
• Moderna-mNEXSPIKE:
  • 65 years of age and older, or
  • 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19
• Pfizer-Comirnaty:
  • 65 years of age and older, or
  • 5 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
• Novavax:
  • 65 years of age and older, or
  • 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19

While these are the labeled indications, we do not have the CDC recommendations for these products.  WV law permits a pharmacist to order/administer a vaccine based on CDC recommendations.  Also, a pharmacist, pharmacy intern, and pharmacy technician (with training & registration if required), may administer a vaccine to an individual age 3 years and up per a prescription order from a prescriber.  Therefore, if you receive a prescription for one of the COVID-19 vaccines, you are permitted to administer an age approprioate vaccine to those 3 years and up prior to receiving the CDC recommendations.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will be meeting September 18/19 and we will have the recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccines at this time.  I will publish ASAP a comprehensive WVBOP immunization newsletter with this information once the meeting occurs, and the CDC officially makes the recommendation from the ACIP meeting.  Remember, there is always information available on the website under “FAQs” and “Immunizations” at www.wvbop.com

Flu recommendations were finalized in June 2025 and remain nearly everyone 6 months and older.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you for all you do in caring for patients!
Krista Capehart, PharmD

WVBOP, Director of Professional and Regulatory Affairs