On Friday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order allowing pharmacists across the state to administer Covid-19 vaccines to anyone seeking them. This move positions her among the Democratic governors opposing the Trump administration’s recent vaccination restrictions.
Governor Hochul signed the order during her visit to an elementary school, and it will be in effect for 30 days. She mentioned the possibility of extending it until the state legislature convenes in January to discuss a permanent solution.
“If you wish for your child to receive a Covid vaccine, it should be accessible and covered by insurance,” she stated. “Unusual times require bold actions.”
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Under the leadership of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for vaccine skepticism, the FDA has limited the new Covid vaccine approvals to Americans over 65 or those with specific health conditions. Previously, vaccines were generally available to all.
A spokesperson for CVS Health, which operates one of the largest pharmacy chains, confirmed that it will “ensure Covid-19 vaccines are offered promptly at all New York CVS Pharmacy locations” in line with Hochul’s directive.
Kennedy faced intense questioning from a Senate panel, including some Republicans, on Thursday. Since his appointment, Kennedy has made unfounded claims about vaccines, which the scientific community credits with saving millions of lives worldwide over the years.
According to The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, Covid vaccines saved 14.4 million lives globally in their first year of use.
The health secretary has removed career scientists and vaccine experts from the CDC, which advises Americans on immunizations, and recently ousted the CDC director after she opposed changes to vaccine policy.
This week, Democratic-led states California, Oregon, and Washington announced the formation of a “West Coast Health Alliance” to review scientific data and provide vaccine recommendations, citing the CDC’s unreliability under Kennedy’s leadership. Hawaii has also joined the alliance.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey directed state insurers on Thursday to cover vaccines endorsed by the state health department, regardless of the CDC’s limited recommendations.
Meanwhile, Florida’s surgeon general declared on Wednesday the end of all vaccine mandates, including those for schoolchildren, a decision supported by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
Vaccination rates in the United States have been dropping, concerning public health experts who attribute this trend to misinformation about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
