New Mexico Department of Health Issues Public Health Order for COVID-19 Vaccine Access

Strategic Insights -

The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across the state, responding to pharmacies' announcements that they cannot administer the vaccine without a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The order comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations, which are expected to start arriving in New Mexico within the next few weeks. Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie emphasized the importance of keeping residents safe during the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season. The order aims to remove obstacles to vaccination access, with no issues reported with pharmacies administering the influenza vaccine in the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across the state.
  • The order responds to pharmacies' announcements that they cannot administer the vaccine without a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations, which are expected to start arriving in New Mexico within the next few weeks.
  • The order directs the New Mexico Department of Health to work with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy to remove potential barriers to vaccination access.
  • The influenza vaccine is not affected by the issue, as the ACIP has recommended it for persons aged six months and older.
  • A copy of the public health order is available on the NMDOH website.

Statistics:

  • The updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations are expected to start arriving in New Mexico within the next few weeks.
  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has yet to convene and act on the matter.
  • The order aims to remove obstacles to vaccination access, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines.

Sources:

  • New Mexico Department of Health