Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an Executive Order aimed at maintaining access to COVID-19 vaccines across New York State. The order comes as federal actions have created uncertainty about vaccine availability, particularly following changes in federal funding and advisory committee leadership.
The new Executive Order allows pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines to all eligible New Yorkers, including children as young as three years old, pregnant people, and adults under 65 without underlying conditions. This authority will be in place for at least 30 days while state lawmakers work on a long-term legislative solution to secure vaccine access.
“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, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, 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.”
Recent changes at the federal level have affected how pharmacies provide vaccines. Pharmacies often depend on “standing orders” based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This summer saw over $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding withdrawn by the federal government—an action reversing previous policy—and ACIP’s membership was changed significantly by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., resulting in delays for updated guidance.
Without current ACIP guidance or standing orders, many pharmacies had begun limiting access for certain groups such as children ages 3–17 and pregnant people.
Governor Hochul’s Executive Order addresses these gaps by allowing physicians and nurse practitioners to issue both patient-specific and non-patient-specific orders so pharmacists can vaccinate patients age three or older. Pharmacists are also now authorized not only to administer but also prescribe COVID vaccines—a new authority intended to keep vaccinations accessible throughout local communities.
Commissioner McDonald will issue a statewide standing order for COVID vaccines so pharmacists can continue offering them efficiently while further detailed guidance is prepared for providers.
New York is working with other Northeast states through a regional public health collaboration focused on coordinated responses around vaccination strategies and emergency preparedness.
The Governor’s office plans ongoing collaboration with legislators toward permanent solutions ensuring continued vaccine access via healthcare professionals and insurance coverage.
