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Governor Kathy Hochul Takes Action to Protect Vaccine Access in New York State

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In response to federal attacks on science and healthcare, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an Executive Order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines, providing access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Executive Order was issued in the face of uncertainty created by the Trump Administration's Federal Vaccine Restrictions, which have threatened the availability of COVID shots. Governor Hochul's action aims to ensure that New Yorkers can continue to receive COVID vaccinations at their local pharmacy without delay, protecting access to vaccines for all eligible individuals, including children, pregnant people, and healthy adults under 65.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul signed an Executive Order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines in New York State, ensuring access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated.
  • The Executive Order addresses the gap created by the federal government's lack of guidance on the 2025-26 COVID vaccine, permitting physicians and nurse practitioners to issue patient-specific or non-patient-specific orders for pharmacists to administer vaccines.
  • The order expands pharmacists' authority to administer vaccines to children under 18 and permits pharmacists to prescribe COVID vaccines themselves, for the first time.
  • The Executive Order is part of Governor Hochul's long-term strategy to protect access to vaccinations in New York, including working with the Legislature on a legislative solution to ensure permanent and continuing access to vaccines.
  • New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has promised to issue a standing order for the COVID vaccine to support pharmacies statewide in providing timely and convenient access to the vaccine.
  • Governor Hochul is working in coordination with a regional multi-state public health collaboration among Northeast states to develop evidence-based recommendations and approaches on vaccination, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness.

Statistics:

  • $500 million: The amount of mRNA vaccine funding pulled by the federal government this summer, undoing what had once been a signature achievement of the first Trump Administration.
  • Age 3: The minimum age for patients who can receive COVID vaccinations under Governor Hochul's Executive Order.
  • Age 65: The upper age limit for adults who can receive COVID vaccinations without underlying conditions.
  • September 18: The date when the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet to issue updated guidance on the 2025-26 COVID vaccine.
  • 30 days: The duration of Governor Hochul's Executive Order aimed at ensuring access to COVID vaccinations while a long-term legislative solution is developed.

Sources:

  • [1] The Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, "Executive Order, COVID-19 Vaccine Access, July [Blank Date]."

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