New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced plans to sign an executive order enabling residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without a prescription. The measure aims to streamline access amid federal regulatory challenges.
Hochul stated, “Your family is my fight. In the absence of federal leadership, I’m going to make sure New Yorkers can access the COVID-19 vaccine.” She emphasized that families should have the option to protect their children’s health without barriers.
The executive order would allow pharmacists to administer vaccines to individuals aged 3 and older, eliminating the need for a prescription. A spokesperson for Hochul highlighted that the policy addresses gaps in vaccine availability while state legislators work on long-term solutions.
The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 shots for high-risk groups, but the CDC is reviewing recommendations. Meanwhile, some pharmacies have restricted access due to unclear federal guidelines. Hochul’s order seeks to bypass these obstacles.
CVS Health indicated it would still require prescriptions for the latest vaccines in New York, though the governor’s directive may alter this policy. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously stated that emergency use authorizations for broad public vaccination were rescinded, shifting focus to targeted distribution for higher-risk individuals.
The executive order’s final details remained pending, but it would authorize pharmacists to administer vaccines without prescriptions. Concerns remain about insurance coverage for pharmacist-administered doses, according to former state health officials.
