Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an Executive Order aimed at ensuring continued access to COVID-19 vaccines in New York State. This action comes amid uncertainty surrounding federal vaccine policy and the availability of COVID shots, particularly after recent changes at the federal level.
The Executive Order allows pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines to all eligible New Yorkers. It will be effective for at least 30 days as state officials work toward a permanent legislative solution to guarantee access to vaccines. The move responds to what Governor Hochul describes as a lack of federal leadership and shifting policies that threaten public health measures.
“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.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on the significance of the Executive Order: “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.”
Federal actions in recent months have affected how vaccines are distributed across states. Pharmacies typically use standing orders—based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—to vaccinate large groups without individual prescriptions. However, following changes within ACIP and reduced funding for mRNA vaccines by more than $500 million this summer under decisions made by the Trump Administration, pharmacies in New York began limiting vaccine availability for certain groups including children ages 3–17, pregnant people, and adults under age 65 without underlying conditions.
The Executive Order declares a statewide emergency for 30 days and expands authority so physicians and nurse practitioners can issue both patient-specific or non-patient-specific orders allowing pharmacists to vaccinate patients as young as three years old. Pharmacists are also now permitted—for the first time—to prescribe COVID vaccines themselves.
Commissioner McDonald will issue a standing order for COVID vaccination so that pharmacies statewide remain able to provide timely services. Further guidance is expected soon from state health officials for those administering vaccinations.
In addition, New York is working with other Northeast states through a regional public health collaboration designed to develop coordinated strategies on vaccination policy, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness.
