Minnesota, New York issue executive orders promoting access to COVID vaccines
An updated COVID-19 booster is approved by the FDA, but it is authorized for use only in people 65 and older and younger people at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
Governors in Minnesota and New York are issuing executive orders in an effort to protect vaccine access in those states, in the wake of chaos and confusion over the availability of COVID-19 vaccine boosters at the federal level.
In Minnesota, the executive order from Governor Tim Walz directs the state epidemiologist to issue a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine, which offers flexibility for healthcare providers and pharmacists to provide the vaccine.
This process does not rely on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations.
“Unlike many other states, pharmacists in Minnesota can administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines according to the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] license to patients three and up without a separate prescription. This process does not rely on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations,” according to a press release on the order.
The order said the Minnesota Department of Health’s medical director should issue a standing order or protocol by September 24 that gives guidance on administering the COVID vaccine.
“Vaccination is one of the greatest public health inventions of all time. Routine vaccination prevents hospital visits, disabilities and death. Vaccines allow us to live better and longer than ever before,” the order reads. “But the federal government is seeking to inject politics into what should be a decision between a person and their healthcare provider.”
Governors use standing orders for pharmacies
After Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became the secretary for the US Department of Health and Human Services, he has been systemically limiting the number of people approved for COVID-19 vaccine boosters. An updated COVID-19 booster is approved by the FDA, but it is authorized for use only in people 65 and older and younger people at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
Many states have reported turmoil at pharmacies, with pharmacists requiring a prescription for the vaccine. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order will allow pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 3 years or older without a prescription, including pregnant women, healthy adults, and children 3 to 17 years.
“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,” Hochul said in a press release. “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.”
Last week governors of Washington, Oregon, and California formed an alliance to protect COVID-19 vaccine access, with Hawaii also joining the alliance.
