ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)—New York has updated its COVID vaccine standing orders. New York Pharmacists are able to administer Pfizer’s COVID vaccine to people ages five and older.
https://health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/providers/docs/so_pfizer_5_years_and_older_25-26.pdf
This follows an executive order signed by Governor Hochul last week and a previous standing order allowing pharmacists to give the Moderna Vaccine to those ages three and up.
https://www.news10.com/news/ny-capitol-news/pharmacists-prescribe-covid-vaccines-ny/
When it comes to insurance coverage, DOH issued a statement saying, “Individuals are encouraged to reach out to their insurance providers to confirm coverage details. We are evaluating longer-term coverage solutions while ensuring immediate access through pharmacies.”
Amid conflicting vaccine guidance at the federal level, state Senator Michelle Hinchey recently introduced a bill called the Vaccine Integrity Act. She said instead of only taking guidance from federal government, New York could look to two state bodies —the Immunization Advisory Council and the 21st Century Elimination Work group for all types of vaccines.
“Both of those groups are made up of medical professionals, scientists, doctors and the work group includes some DOH staff. So the Department of Health— the commissioner along with the Commissioner of Education can look to those two work groups for vaccine guidance,” explained Hinchey.
If New York joins an interstate compact, Hinchey said that guidance can be looked at too.
“It also requires any New York health plan to cover, the issuance plans, to cover insurance costs for the vaccines that are recommended from either these two organizations or the interstate compact,” said Hinchey.
New York’s legislative session will begin in January.
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