New York Governor Authorizes Pharmacists to Broaden COVID-19 Vaccine Access Amidst Shifting Federal Guidance
ALBANY, NY – new York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order authorizing pharmacists to administer the updated COVID-19 vaccine to all residents aged 3 and older, without a prescription, in response to recent limitations placed on vaccine eligibility by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). the move aims to ensure continued access to the vaccine for all New Yorkers, even as federal guidance evolves.
The FDA recently approved the next round of COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season, but initially restricted their use to individuals 65 years and older, or those with a high risk of severe illness. This prompted many New York pharmacies to pause immunizations for certain groups, including children ages 3-17, pregnant individuals, and adults under 65 without underlying health conditions, according to the governor’s office.
“I promised New Yorkers that their family woudl 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 stated.
The executive order, effective for at least 30 days while a long-term legislative solution is developed, allows pharmacists to fill the gap in access created by the FDA’s narrower authorization. new York State Health Commissioner Dr.James McDonald emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “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.”
This action comes as the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has yet to issue updated guidance for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 shots.
