Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On September 5th, Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order declaring a Statewide Disaster Emergency to protect access to COVID-19 vaccines in New York, following recent federal actions that have threatened vaccine access. This order is currently effective through October 5, 2025.

Key provisions of the Executive Order expand vaccine access by enacting the following in New York State:

• Physicians and nurse practitioners may issue patient-specific or non-patient-specific orders authorizing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to people aged three (3) and older.
   
• Pharmacists are authorized to prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines for people aged three (3) and older.
   
• A statewide standing order will be issued by the New York State Commissioner of Health to support timely access across pharmacies.

Together, these actions ensure that all eligible New Yorkers can continue to receive COVID vaccinations at their local pharmacy without delay.

COVID-19 continues to cause significant illness and hospitalization, particularly during fall and winter when respiratory viruses such as influenza and Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV) are also circulating.  Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

Please also see OPWDD Respiratory Viral Illness Guidance:

OPWDD continues to encourage providers, people receiving OPWDD services, their families, and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, consistent with the above guidance.  We also urge providers to continue promoting vaccines as a key tool in protecting vulnerable populations against severe respiratory illness.

You can read more about Executive Order 52: Declaring a Disaster in the State of New York Due to Federal Actions Related to Vaccine Access here.

For questions pertaining to the guidance and standing orders issued by the Department of Health, please contact them via email at [email protected].

In Health,

Willow Baer
Commissioner