SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Medical professionals at Memorial Health suggest people may need a prescription for a COVID-19 vaccine.

“Indeed, it’s a directive, a government directive, that a prescription is needed for the vaccine,” stated Dr. Timothy Connelly, an Internal Medicine Doctor at Memorial Health.

Dr. Connelly noted that before the pandemic, most children would routinely visit their pediatricians for vaccines. However, the pandemic made it challenging to bring kids to a doctor’s office. Now, years later, there is an effort to revert to previous practices by requiring a prescription.

“We’re attempting to return to the pre-COVID methods, but it’s been over five years,” Dr. Connelly mentioned. “Many have forgotten what that was like, and it is beneficial to have these conversations with your healthcare provider.”

Dr. Connelly said due to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) the COVID vaccines are now given out on a “risk-based scenario”.

For instance, he explains that he might not advise a COVID vaccine for a 20-year-old without medical issues, depending on the number of COVID cases at the hospital at present.

He said at the current time, he has not seen an increase of COVID cases come through Memorial Health hospital.

“It is advisable for individuals with specific risk factors and those over 50 to consider the COVID-19 vaccine. There is a substantial list of people who would gain from vaccination,” Dr. Connelly pointed out. “It’s unfortunate these individuals require a prescription, but protections are in place as well.”

Additional changes might be forthcoming as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to convene on Sept. 18 and 19 in Atlanta to discuss potential updates to the COVID-19 guidelines.