August 1, 2025

Pregnant Patients Face COVID-19 Vaccine Hurdles-Here's What to Know

On May 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it would remove the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant individuals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended immunization schedule. Despite this federal change, the Washington State Department of Health continues to recommend that everyone aged 6 months and older-including pregnant individuals-receive the current COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness.

The WSMA has heard from members that some pregnant patients are encountering barriers when trying to access the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies. This is due in part to collaborative drug therapy agreements that reference the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations, which may limit pharmacists' authority to vaccinate without updated agreements.

The DOH has confirmed this challenge and reports that pharmacies are actively reviewing and updating their agreements to reflect both federal and state guidance. Some pharmacies are awaiting the outcome of the upcoming August ACIP meeting before making changes.

In the meantime, a written or verbal prescription from a physician can often help patients obtain the vaccine. If you're hearing similar concerns in your community, please let us know-the WSMA is in ongoing dialogue with the DOH to help ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination statewide.