NORFOLK, Va. — Sentara Health’s chief medical officer says new guidance from the Virginia Department of Health is helping clear up confusion about access to the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
Earlier this week, a man told News 3 he was denied the shot by his primary care doctor at a Sentara clinic.
Dr. Michael Hooper, Sentara’s chief medical officer, acknowledged the uncertainty within the health system and the community.
“To be 100 percent clear, Sentara providers can write prescriptions for 2025-2026 COVID vaccines based on their clinical judgment,” Hooper said. “Per the Virginia Department of Health guidance issued yesterday, adult patients who meet the new FDA-approved criteria may receive a COVID vaccine at retail pharmacies without a prescription.”
The FDA says those eligible include adults 65 and older and people with serious medical conditions that put them at higher risk.
Hooper said he expects even more clarity from the CDC after its meeting next week.
Sentara's full statement on COVID-19 vaccines is below:
“The changes in FDA guidance for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, and the gap between FDA approval and the CDC ACIP meeting, caused this year’s COVID immunizations to become available without updated CDC recommendations or vaccine schedule updates.
This disconnect led Sentara Medical Group leadership to issue unclear guidance that missed the mark in how we should be approaching vaccination in these uncertain times.
We want to ensure that all providers, patients, and members are clear on Sentara’s current guidance:We support our physician's medical judgement in dealing with the needs of their individual patients and are not directing that they prevent appropriate patients from receiving the vaccine. We recognize the inconvenience this may cause for some patients. We are working daily to ensure we provide safe and effective medical care.”
- Sentara providers can write prescriptions for COVID vaccines based on clinical judgment (considering risk and benefits).
- Patients who meet the new FDA approved criteria may receive a COVID vaccine at retail pharmacies without a prescription.
- At Sentara facilities that are equipped to administer COVID vaccine, the administration of vaccine without a prescription will begin after clear guidance is provided by the CDC and our protocols and orders can be updated.
