REGIONAL — A wave of confusion over federal COVID-19 vaccine guidance is leading some pharmacies and clinics across the country – and even in Minnesota – to hit pause on offering shots, citing uncertainty about who qualifies and how vaccines should be administered.
Essentia Health, one of northern Minnesota’s major health care systems, acknowledged this week that it is reviewing the latest FDA guidelines and evaluating how they might impact patient care.
In a statement provided to the Timberjay on Tuesday, the health system said, “We know that vaccines are one of the best ways to protect against respiratory viruses like COVID, flu and RSV, and remain committed to offering them to all eligible patients. We’ll continue to learn more and share updates as they’re available.”
However, it appears there may be some impact already. A text message obtained by the Timberjay from Essentia’s Ely clinic stated, “At this time, Essentia Health is not writing prescriptions for the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The message also indicated that Essentia would begin administering the vaccine again once updated federal guidelines are released.
The Ely clinic’s action mirrors a broader national trend as health care providers grapple with a shifting federal framework. In late August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricted its approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines to individuals aged 65 and older or those with specific underlying health risks.
The move came without immediate clarification from the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a body that traditionally provides frontline implementation guidance for providers and insurers. As a result, some pharmacies and clinics are holding back from administering vaccines until they receive more definitive direction.
The uncertainty has triggered real disruptions. According to reporting from PBS NewsHour, at least 16 states have seen major pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens temporarily suspend COVID-19 vaccinations, citing inconsistencies between state regulations and federal guidance. Minnesota is not among them.
The Timberjay checked the Walgreens website for the Virginia location on Tuesday and confirmed that appointments for the updated COVID-19 vaccine were available.
The absence of updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control has also created uncertainty around insurance coverage.
Federal law generally requires insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Without that recommendation in place for the latest COVID-19 shots, insurers are not obligated to cover the cost for people outside the FDA’s limited eligibility groups.
In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order on Monday directing the Minnesota Department of Health to take a leading role in protecting vaccine access statewide. The order calls for the state epidemiologist to issue a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine. That move is intended to provide greater flexibility for providers and pharmacists to offer the vaccine to patients, particularly as federal rules tighten and advisory bodies stall on updated recommendations.
The executive order also directs MDH to monitor whether similar actions are needed for other vaccines and to work with partner agencies to identify and remove barriers to access. As part of the effort, the state will issue clear guidance to providers, insurers, and the public on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and availability.
Walz framed the order as a direct response to shifting federal policy.
“While the Trump Administration attempts to limit Americans’ access to preventative care,” he said, “Minnesota will be guided by science and medical expertise, prioritizing the health and safety of our people.”
Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham echoed that position, noting that Minnesota is “in a stronger position than most states to handle the loss of federal vaccine support” due to prior investments in public health infrastructure. However, she also warned that “the scale of these cuts will likely lead to changes that affect Minnesotans,” and said MDH would remain closely connected with providers to respond as the situation evolves.
Unlike many states, Minnesota law allows pharmacists to administer both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to patients as young as three years old without requiring a separate prescription. This authority is based on FDA licensure and does not depend on Centers for Disease Control advisory recommendations, giving Minnesota more flexibility than many other states.