US EditionCOVID-19 Vaccine to Be More Accessible in NC, Gov. Stein Says
Standing Orders allow seniors 65+ and high-risk adults to receive COVID-19 vaccines at North Carolina pharmacies without a prescription, increasing access as cold and flu season begins.
- On September 12, 2025, Governor Josh Stein directed North Carolina health officials to issue Standing Orders allowing certain adults to get COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without prescriptions.
- This action responds to prior state requirements mandating prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccination at pharmacies, which created administrative barriers for patients and providers.
- The Standing Orders authorize pharmacies across the state to administer the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as adults 18 and above who have certain medical conditions that increase their risk, without requiring a prescription.
- Governor Stein noted that currently, North Carolina is among a small number of states requiring individuals to obtain a prescription before receiving vaccinations at a pharmacy, describing this requirement as needless bureaucracy.
- This policy aims to increase vaccine access, reduce confusion, and align North Carolina with most other states, which may improve vaccination rates and public health protections during cold and flu season.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The Daily Advance
ReflectorGovernor issues COVID vaccine order for vulnerable residents
North Carolinians 65 and older or younger individuals with preexisting medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription following a standard order issued by Gov. Josh Stein and the state health director on Friday.
COVID-19 vaccine to be more accessible in NC, Gov. Stein says
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and other state health officials announced Friday that COVID-19 vaccines would be more accessible as the virus continues to spread and federal recommendations have yet to be made. Earlier Friday, Stein gave State Health Director and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Greenblatt a directive to issue standing orders to increase access to t…
Governor Stein announces standing orders to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Governor Josh Stein has instructed the State Health Director to issue standing orders that allow certain groups to get a COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription. The Director of the State Health and Human Services says, “requiring an office visit to obtain a prescription to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is an administrative barrier for patients, providers, and pharmacies.” The FDA approved the next round of COVID vaccines a f…
NC becomes latest state to make COVID vaccines available without prescription
Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services have worked to issue standing orders to make access to COVID-19 vaccines available to North Carolinians without a prescription.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
