VDH updates CDC vaccine schedule, revokes prior standing order

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has officially updated its latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) vaccination schedule as of Friday. As a result, the prior standing order issued in September will be revoked.

On Friday, Oct. 10, the department announced updates to COVID-19 and combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccines, as well as sharing that the standing order, which was issued back on Sept. 10, will now be revoked.

COVID-19 vaccine updates

The CDC now recommends individual-based decision-making for administering the COVID-19 vaccine for ages six months and older as of Oct. 10. The decision to vaccinate can be made after a discussion between the patient and a healthcare provider, which includes pharmacists.

In addition, VDH emphasized that people ages three months and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy in Virginia without a prescription. Those aged six months and older can get the vaccine from healthcare providers.

This news comes after COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can now be given to adults ages 18-64 who have at least one underlying condition. People ages 65 and older, with no condition needed, can also receive the vaccine, according to a standing order from Dr. Karen Shelton, the State Health Commissioner, on Sept. 10.

Per VDH, the vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, some physicians and local health departments in the state.

MMRV vaccine updates

As of Oct. 10, the CDC no longer recommends the combined MMRV vaccine for children under 4 years old. Children under 4 should receive the MMR -- measles, mumps, rubella -- and varicella -- chicken pox -- vaccines separately, according to the department.

VDH said the first dose of each of these vaccines is recommended to be given at 12 to 15 months of age.

The second dose of each vaccine is still recommended for those aged 4 to 6 years old, according to the department. Children aged 4 and older can receive either the combined MMRV or the separate vaccines.

Other updates

The Virginia State Health Commission's standing order, which has been in place since Sept. 10 to help with access to the COVID-19 vaccine, will be revoked as of Friday due to the CDC's newly updated schedule in place.

The department has also launched the MyR Portal, a customer-friendly online toll that allows people to look up their immunization schedules.