Hochul Bypasses Doctors, Declares ‘Disaster’ to Push Vaccines at Pharmacies

Governor Hochul Issues Executive Order Expanding Vaccine Access

Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order Friday that permits New Yorkers to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies without needing a doctor’s prescription.

The move follows recent federal restrictions that narrowed eligibility for the updated vaccines. The Food and Drug Administration approved the newest versions of the shot but limited access to individuals 65 and older or those with underlying health conditions. As a result, national pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens indicated they would only provide the vaccine to customers who presented a prescription.

To address the issue, Hochul declared “a disaster in the state of New York due to federal actions related to vaccine access,” ensuring that residents can immediately obtain the shot.

“So you can go into a pharmacy, not have to worry about going to a doctor's office and getting a prescription,” Hochul said. “Pharmacists will now, as a result of this signing, be authorized to administer COVID shots to those who choose to have them.”

The order will need to be renewed every 30 days until state lawmakers return next year to consider long-term legislation.

While Hochul’s directive brings relief to many residents, it also adds to broader uncertainty around national COVID-19 policy. On Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, came under fire during a Senate Finance Committee hearing.

His tense exchanges with Democratic senators often escalated into heated arguments and some medical groups along with several Democrats have urged his removal. Certain Republican senators also raised concerns about his changes to COVID-related policy.

Hochul Bypasses Doctors, Declares ‘Disaster’ to Push Vaccines at Pharmacies