In a direct challenge to federal restrictions on COVID-19 vaccinations, New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday signed an executive order authorizing pharmacists across the state to administer the vaccine to anyone who requests it, regardless of age or medical condition.
The move comes in response to new federal guidelines issued under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which limit vaccine eligibility to Americans over 65 or those with specific underlying health conditions.
Hochul’s order, effective for 30 days, aims to preserve broad access until the state legislature reconvenes in January to consider permanent legislation.
“If you want your child to have a COVID shot, it should be available to you and covered by insurance,” Hochul said during a visit to a Long Island elementary school.
“Extreme times call for extreme measures”.
The executive order declares a public health emergency in New York and empowers pharmacists to both prescribe and administer the vaccine, bypassing the need for a doctor’s visit.
CVS Health, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, confirmed it would comply with the directive and begin offering shots at its New York locations.
Hochul’s action aligns with similar moves by other Democratic-led states.
California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii have formed a “West Coast Health Alliance” to independently review vaccine data and issue recommendations, citing concerns over the CDC’s reliability under Kennedy’s leadership.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also ordered insurers to cover vaccines approved by the state’s health department, regardless of federal guidance.
Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, has faced bipartisan criticism for reshaping federal vaccine policy. His tenure has included the dismissal of career scientists and the ousting of the CDC’s director, prompting fears of politicized public health decisions.
Public health experts warn that vaccination rates in the U.S. are declining, fueled by misinformation and confusion over access.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that COVID vaccines saved 14.4 million lives globally in their first year of use.
In contrast, Florida’s Republican-led administration announced this week it would eliminate all vaccine mandates, including those for schoolchildren – a move endorsed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
