CVS pharmacies in Florida to vaccinate teachers under 50 despite state age limits

CVS pharmacies in Florida are vaccinating teachers under 50 years old despite age limits on vaccine recipients imposed by the state.

The chain said that it is following new guidance from the Biden administration, The Associated Press reported. It also began vaccinating day care and preschool teachers.

“We’ve aligned with updated Federal Retail Pharmacy Program guidelines by making appointments available to pre-K through 12 educators and staff and childcare workers in all 17 states where we currently offer COVID-19 vaccines. This includes Florida,” a spokesperson for CVS told The Hill in a statement.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) office didn’t immediately return a request for comment from The Hill. 

The state is currently prioritizing vaccines for K-12 school employees 50 years of age or older, residents over the age of 65, as well as people under age 65 who are deemed medically vulnerable by a doctor.

President Biden on Tuesday called on states to prioritize teachers for COVID-19 vaccinations, with a goal of every teacher getting at least one dose by the end of March. He vowed to use the “full authority of the federal government” in directing states to prioritize teachers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on its website that the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program will prioritize teachers and staff in pre-K-12 schools and child care programs during the month of March.