New York Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone who wants it. Hochul announced the news Thursday, saying the order will allow New Yorkers to make “their own healthcare decisions” amid confusion over the vaccine’s availability.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Hochul said the order will “ensure seamless access” while Hochul works with the state legislature on a long-term solution to protect access to vaccines.
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“By signing this EO, Governor Hochul is making it clear that when Washington Republicans play politics with public health, New Yorkers will still be able make their own health care decisions and get the care they need from trusted providers in their community,” the spokesperson said.
Recent vaccine guidance
The news comes after the Food and Drug Administration approved the next round of COVID boosters for this fall. The guidance further restricts the shot to adults 65 and older and children with at least one underlying condition.
The FDA said doctors can still prescribe the vaccine to individuals outside these groups, but they won’t be able to simply walk into a pharmacy and get it. It’s also unclear whether insurance will cover the cost for anyone not in the approved groups.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. celebrated the new guidance on X, calling it “science, safety and common sense.”
A vaccine advisory panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to discuss potential recommendations in a few weeks.
Kennedy questioned on vaccine policy
On Thursday, senators questioned Kennedy on the latest vaccine guidance and other recent moves on public health. Senators raised concerns over canceled mRNA research, CDC staffing and his appointment of vaccine skeptics to the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who is a physician, accused Kennedy of breaking promises he made during his confirmation hearings.
“You also told Senator [Ron] Wyden at the outset that you didn’t want to take vaccines away from people,” Cassidy said. He read from letters from constituents who have been denied the vaccine before saying to Kennedy, “I would say effectively we’re denying people vaccines.”
Kennedy pushed back, saying federal health agencies have been dishonest about the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine. He claimed he’s restoring trust in science.
The secretary also claimed that anyone can receive the vaccine at their pharmacy for free. However, ABC reports that pharmacies are being selective due to federal regulations being in limbo.
