Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed two NACDS priority bills designed to protect vaccine access by reducing the state’s reliance on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The legislation – A.10711/S.9598 & A.10710/S.9599 – ensures pharmacies can continue to administer vaccines recommended by the New York State Commissioner of Health, using generally accepted medical standards and guidance from nationally or internationally recognized scientific organizations. The legislation also removes ACIP references from several areas of state law governing insurance coverage, school immunization requirements and Medicaid, reinforcing the state’s authority to follow science-based recommendations even if federal guidance changes. In addition, the new law expands access to vaccines by authorizing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages two to 18 years, which had previously been limited to adults under state law. State leaders emphasized that the legislation is intended to safeguard evidence-based public health policy, counter misinformation and maintain broad, affordable access to lifesaving vaccines for New Yorkers of all ages.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.