Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an Executive Order aimed at maintaining access to COVID-19 vaccines across New York State amid uncertainty over federal vaccine policy. The order allows pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines to all eligible New Yorkers, including children as young as three, pregnant people, and healthy adults under 65. This measure will be in effect for at least 30 days while state lawmakers work on a longer-term legislative solution.
“I promised New Yorkers that their family would be my fight. In the absence of federal leadership, we must do everything we can to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the vaccines and preventative healthcare they have come to rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this executive order, we are sending a clear message that when Washington Republicans play politics with public health, New Yorkers can still get the care they need, close to home, from trusted providers in their own communities.”
Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, stated: “Governor Hochul’s Executive Order provides access to the COVID vaccine for New Yorkers who choose to get vaccinated, sets us up for a smoother transition to the updated 2025-26 vaccine and restores pharmacies as a vital part of our vaccination network. While New York State does not require COVID vaccines, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID.”
The move comes after changes at the federal level led many pharmacies in New York to limit access to COVID vaccines. Most pharmacies had relied on standing orders based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). However, this summer saw more than $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding withdrawn by the federal government and significant changes in ACIP membership by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., resulting in no updated guidance for the upcoming COVID vaccine season.
In response to these developments and without current federal guidance — which has led some pharmacies to restrict vaccinations for children ages 3–17, pregnant people, and adults under 65 without underlying conditions — Governor Hochul’s Executive Order temporarily expands authority around who can prescribe and administer COVID vaccines.
Under the order:
– Physicians and nurse practitioners may issue patient-specific or non-patient-specific orders allowing pharmacists to vaccinate patients age three or older.
– Pharmacists are authorized both to administer and prescribe COVID vaccines for those age three or older.
– For the first time, pharmacists may prescribe off-label use of these vaccines.
Commissioner McDonald will also issue a standing order so that pharmacists statewide can continue providing timely access. Additional detailed guidance is expected soon from state health officials.
New York is also working with other Northeast states as part of a regional public health collaboration focused on developing evidence-based vaccination strategies and strengthening emergency preparedness through shared resources among public health laboratories.
