New Mexico Department of Health Issues Standing Order for COVID-19 Vaccines

Strategic Insights -

The New Mexico Department of Health has implemented a standing order to provide the latest COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 6 months and older without a prescription, following widespread confusion about access to the vaccine due to inconsistent federal guidance. The order, signed by Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer, serves as a blanket prescription for those wanting the most recent vaccine. The state Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to prevent severe illness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a standing order to allow anyone 6 months and older to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription.
  • The standing order recommends everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to prevent severe illness.
  • The order covers the following groups: people 65 years and older, infants and toddlers ages 6 to 24 months, people ages 2 to 64 who are themselves high risk or care for someone who is high risk, pregnant and breastfeeding parents, people who live in congregate care settings, and health care workers.
  • Providers may offer the vaccine to any healthy person ages 2 to 64 who wants the additional protection, known as an "off-label" use.
  • The New Mexico Health Care Authority has confirmed COVID-19 vaccines will be covered for individuals enrolled in Medicaid.
  • The standing order removes hesitation among some providers about vaccinating people who fall outside the narrow FDA approval categories.

Statistics:

  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the updated formulations of three COVID-19 vaccines for seniors 65 and older as well as high-risk children, teenagers, and adults in August.
  • The latest COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for people aged 65 and older, and high risk children, teenagers, and adults with at least one underlying condition.
  • The New Mexico Department of Health recommends that everyone 6 months and older stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to prevent severe illness.
  • The standing order covers the following groups: people 65 years and older, infants and toddlers ages 6 to 24 months, people ages 2 to 64 who are themselves high risk or care for someone who is high risk, pregnant and breastfeeding parents, people who live in congregate care settings, and health care workers.

Sources:

  • New Mexico Department of Health Standing Order (no date provided)
  • Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer (no date provided)
  • New Mexico Health Care Authority (no date provided)
  • The New Mexican (October 28, 2022)