A COVID-19 outbreak hit Jan Keister’s workplace at a law office. Three days ago, she tried to get vaccinated to protect herself and her immunocompromised partner but wasn’t able to get the shot at a pharmacy or from her doctor’s office.
Her regular pharmacy in Roanoke said she needed a prescription, even though she’s over 65 and qualified under new federal COVID-19 regulations. Staff at her doctor’s office said they didn’t yet have doses for the 2025-26 season. She stopped at an urgent care clinic, where they told her she could get one, but the visit would cost her $80 and she would have to wait at least an hour to see a doctor.
Over the last few days, the requirements for accessing the vaccine have shifted rapidly. On Wednesday, the Virginia Department of Health issued new guidance aimed at resolving the confusion — at least for a while…