New York has declared a public health emergency to protect access to COVID vaccines, stepping in as federal delays and funding cuts threaten local pharmacies and patients.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order allowing pharmacists to both prescribe and administer the updated 2025–26 COVID shot. The move restores vaccine access for kids, pregnant people, and adults under 65 — groups that were left out after the federal government stalled on issuing updated guidance.
Emergency order fills federal gap
New York pharmacies had been relying on “standing orders” from federal health officials to give vaccines broadly. But over the summer, the Trump Administration replaced much of the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) with anti-vaccine voices. Since then, no updated guidance has been issued — and none is expected until at least September 18.
In the meantime, many pharmacies began turning patients away.
To fix that, New York’s emergency order lets doctors and nurse practitioners write vaccine orders for pharmacists to follow. It also grants pharmacists new authority to prescribe the COVID vaccine themselves — a first in the state.
“New Yorkers can still get the care they need, close to home, from trusted providers in their own communities,” Hochul said.
A temporary fix with long-term plans ahead
The order will stay in place for at least 30 days while state officials work with lawmakers on a permanent solution. Hochul’s team said the plan will include vaccine access, insurance coverage, school immunization rules, and expanded roles for health care providers.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald also plans to issue a statewide standing order for the COVID vaccine, helping pharmacies avoid further confusion or delays.
“Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID,” McDonald said.
Regional effort underway
New York is also helping lead a multi-state health collaboration in the Northeast. The group is focused on vaccination strategy, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness — and aims to keep public health efforts coordinated as federal guidance becomes more unpredictable.
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