NY Governor Kathy Hochul Signs Executive Order to Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Access

Executive Order for Vaccine Access

• ⚡ Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order to increase accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across New York State.
• ⚠️ This action was taken in response to federal decisions that Hochul states are ignoring science and negatively impacting family health.
• 🗓️ The executive order allows pharmacists to administer COVID-19 shots for 30 days, with the possibility of renewal, until the legislature can pass permanent legislation.

Rationale Behind the Order

• 🎯 Hochul emphasized the importance of accessible vaccinations, citing the nearly 86,000 New York residents lost to COVID-19.
• 🏥 The order aims to remove barriers, such as requiring a doctor's prescription, allowing individuals to get vaccinated at pharmacies as a convenient option.
• 📉 The governor noted that COVID-19 cases are on the rise in New York, with approximately 600 new cases per day.

Addressing Federal Policy Discrepancies

• 🚫 Hochul criticized the federal government's stance on vaccine recommendations, particularly for children and expectant mothers, and the decision not to cover vaccinations for these groups.
• 🗽 She stated that New York will not follow these federal guidelines and will ensure parents have the option to vaccinate their children if they choose.

Childhood Obesity and Nutrition

• 🍎 In response to a question about childhood obesity, Hochul highlighted the importance of access to nutritious food, including free breakfast and lunch programs.
• 🏃 She linked childhood obesity to lifelong health impacts and stressed the need for children to start healthy with proper nutrition and physical education.