Gov. Hochul authorizes pharmacists to give COVID vaccines

(WSYR-TV) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order allowing pharmacists in New York to administer COVID-19 vaccines for the next 30 days, in response to federal guidelines that limit vaccine recommendations.

The executive order, which can be renewed every 30 days, aims to maintain vaccine access without requiring a doctor’s prescription. This move comes as New York experiences approximately 600 new COVID-19 cases per day, highlighting the urgency of maintaining vaccine availability.

“This is a power I have to use in the interim,” Hochul stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action until the legislature reconvenes in January to pass more permanent legislation.

Governor Hochul criticized federal guidelines that restrict COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to certain groups, such as those over 65, and exclude expectant mothers and children. She expressed concern over the federal government’s decision, stating, “I don’t understand why you won’t let families have the choice to protect their children’s health.”

The executive order is part of a broader effort to counter what Hochul described as “reckless decisions coming out of Washington.” She noted that the order is not a mandate for families but provides an option for those who wish to vaccinate their children and themselves.

Hochul also addressed questions about insurance coverage, confirming that Medicaid covers the vaccines and that many large insurers have agreed to cover them as well. She highlighted the cost-effectiveness of preventing illness through vaccination compared to treating life-threatening diseases.

In response to a question about the need for a doctor’s prescription, Hochul argued that requiring such prescriptions creates unnecessary barriers. “I don’t think people are going to take the time to go get a doctor’s prescription,” she said, advocating for the convenience of pharmacy-administered vaccines.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WSYR. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WSYR staff before being published.