NY Governor Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe COVID-19 Vaccines, Defying CDC

Executive Order on COVID-19 Vaccines

• 💉 Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order allowing pharmacists in New York to prescribe and administer the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone who wants it.
• ⚠️ This action defies guidance from the CDC and health secretary, making New York the largest state to take such a step.

Federal Restrictions and State Response

• 📜 The Food and Drug Administration recently approved updated COVID vaccines but authorized them only for individuals 65 and older or those with underlying medical conditions.
• 🏥 Major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stated they would only administer the latest COVID vaccine with a doctor's prescription, causing confusion among New Yorkers.
• 🗣️ Governor Hochul stated that the executive order was too important to wait and aimed to counter federal restrictions, emphasizing New Yorkers' ability to make their own healthcare decisions.

Governor's Rationale

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Governor Hochul expressed that she could not stand by while access to COVID shots and other vaccinations for families was restricted.
• 💲 She stressed the importance of making the COVID shot available to parents who want it for their children and ensuring it is covered by insurance.

Ongoing Developments

• 🗓️ The executive order will need to be resigned every 30 days.
• 📰 State officials are working to provide further guidance, and Eyewitness News will continue to report on updates.