September 30, 2025
Updated Guidance from DOPL Aligns with ACIP Recommendations Amid Ongoing CDC Review of Vaccine Administration Policies
Salt Lake City—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) has issued an important guidance letter to pharmacists, clarifying the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with recent recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Currently, individuals aged six months and older in Utah do not need a prescription to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The ACIP recommended on September 19, 2025, that a prescription should not be required for COVID-19 vaccinations. They emphasized that the risk-benefit analysis of vaccination is most favorable for individuals under 65 who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19, while it is lowest for those who are not at an increased risk, according to the CDC’s list of COVID-19 risk factors.
In a letter on Friday, September 26, 2025, DOPL clarified its guidance to pharmacists, stating that, in line with the ACIP recommendations, pharmacists are authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet updated its vaccine guidance to align with ACIP recommendations. DOPL is currently awaiting the CDC’s response regarding whether it will adopt, modify, or reject the ACIP recommendations. The CDC’s decision could impact the future requirement for a COVID-19 vaccine prescription.
DOPL encourages individuals to discuss their specific risk factors and health conditions with their medical providers to make informed decisions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
A copy of the guidance letter is attached.
About the Utah Division of Professional Licensing: The Utah Division of Professional Licensing is one of 10 divisions/offices within the Utah Department of Commerce. Its mission is strengthening trust in Utah’s professional workforce through effective licensing, balanced regulation, and consumer engagement to facilitate informed decisions. Consumers can find more information and submit complaints at dopl.utah.gov.