States across the US have taken steps to ensure widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated shots with new restrictions.
Last month, the agency limited new COVID-19 vaccinations to people over 65 and people with underlying health conditions. This move marked a major change from past policies and as reported went against the recommendations of FDA scientists.
The announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), following guidance from Health and Human Services Secretary and noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stopped recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women earlier this year.
At least two major medical associations have since issued vaccination recommendations that contradict the administration's new recommendations: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children 6 to 23 months old receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that all pregnant and breastfeeding women should be vaccinated.
And many states are taking measures into their own hands. Here's what you need to know about what they do.
Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order last week to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccinations across the state.
The order directs the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Board of Pharmacy (BOP) to make the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine—along with other vaccines—widely available to Arizonans.
“Vaccines are critical tools that protect public health and prevent serious disease,” Hobbs. said in a press release. “Arizona residents and their doctors deserve the freedom to access the COVID vaccine if it is right for them. With this order, we are following the science and ensuring Arizonans have access to vaccines to keep themselves and their families safe.”
Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) order allows pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals 6 months of age and older beginning September 5th.
Governor Jared Polis announced this. announcing In the new health order, he is “taking steps to ensure that eligible Coloradans can easily and conveniently receive a safe and effective updated COVID vaccine and flu vaccine this fall, without having to see a doctor first.”
The order is in effect until Sept. 4, 2026, unless rescinded or modified, the state said.
Connecticut
Connecticut has taken a number of steps to try to engage several state departments to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) released management for COVID-19 vaccinations based on AAP recommendations and urged pharmacists to continue administering shots despite new CDC recommendations.
The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) confirmed in a statement. statement that COVID-19 vaccinations should be covered by public insurance policies “regardless” of recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the group that offers vaccine advice and recommendations to the CDC. Kennedy fired all experts on the committee this summer and has since appointed new members.
Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed decree Sept. 12 directed state agencies to develop their own vaccine recommendations.
According to the order, the “Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative,” led by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), aims to “ensure that Illinoisans can get the vaccines they need and can rely on science-based recommendations.”
The order calls for IDPH to work with several other state agencies to “publish guidance in plain language, continue to support school vaccination efforts, and work with local health departments, community health centers, disability organizations, and rural health care providers to reach families across the state.”
It also directs IDPH Director Dr. Samir Vohra to issue a standing order allowing vaccine providers to administer vaccines recommended by the state's Advisory Committee on Immunization. The committee is set to meet Sept. 22 to make recommendations for fall vaccinations, and by Sept. 26, IDPH will use those recommendations to issue “clear public guidance,” according to the order.
Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order on Sept. 8 directing the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to “expand its efforts to ensure vaccine access in Minnesota in response to federal actions limiting vaccine availability at the federal level,” according to a news release. release.
The order primarily aims to “identify and address barriers to access while providing clear guidance to providers, insurers and the public on the safety, effectiveness and availability of vaccines.”
Nevada
On Sept. 5, the Nevada Board of Pharmacy released updated guidance that allows pharmacists to administer the new COVID-19 vaccine as well as other FDA-approved vaccines. CVS and other pharmacies had previously suspended COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the state, but they said they will resume doing this after the release of the new manual.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Health has taken steps to allow anyone 6 months of age and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and for pharmacists to administer the vaccine to people 3 years of age and older without a prescription. Executive directive and standing order were informed by recommendations from several scientific agencies, including the AAP and the University of Minnesota Vaccine Integrity Project, according to the press release. release.
New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has issued a permanent policy. order Effective Sept. 11, pharmacists and other health care workers are allowed to vaccinate people 6 months of age and older with the COVID-19 vaccine without a doctor's prescription.
“We are clearing the way for New Mexicans who want the vaccine,” NMDOH Secretary Gina DeBlassie said in a press release. release. “This regulation will ensure that barriers do not prevent people from protecting their health.”
New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order on Sept. 5 allowing pharmacists until Oct. 5 to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to people 3 years of age and older. Order 52, which declared “a disaster in New York State due to the federal government's actions related to vaccine access,” also allows doctors and nurse practitioners to administer COVID-19 vaccines by pharmacists.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy has authorized pharmacists to dispense COVID-19 vaccinations based on recommendations from bodies other than ACIP. Prior to this decision, ACIP leadership provided guidance on who could receive vaccines from pharmacists in the state.
According to the release, “recently approved sources of authority” include the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). statement published by the Commonwealth.
The statement confirmed that CVS will “resume administering vaccines as soon as possible at locations across Pennsylvania” following the board's decision.
Virginia
State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton signed the regulation. order On Sept. 10, it allows pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone ages 18 to 64 with an underlying medical condition without a prescription, as well as anyone over 65.
The standing order allows pharmacists to offer vaccines “in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Schedule, which may or may not be consistent with ACIP recommendations.” press release marked..
California, Oregon and Washington
Three states created The West Coast Health Alliance Sept. 3 “supports scientific integrity in public health as Trump undermines the authority of the CDC,” according to the post announcement from their governors.
Under the alliance, which state leaders say aims to “ensure that residents are protected by science, not politics,” states will provide coordinated health advice based on vaccine recommendations from “respected national health organizations,” although each state can also pursue its own independent strategies.
In a joint statement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson called the White House's “blatant politicization” of the CDC and the president's “mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists” a “direct attack on the health and safety of the American people.”
“California, Oregon and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk,” the governors said.
