Governor Hochul has taken an important step by extending Executive Order 52 for another 30 days, allowing pharmacists to keep administering COVID-19 vaccines until November 5. But that 30-day extension isn’t enough. Being eligible for a vaccine isn’t the same being vaccinated. All across New York, people still face barriers to lifesaving protection.

· Pharmacies are short on supply
· Many people are confused about coverage and eligibility or fear they’ll be turned away.

Recent federal actions have undermined trusted vaccine guidance and risk access to COVID, MMR, and other essential vaccines. New York must lead:

1. We call on Governor Hochul to take bold action to protect public health: Guarantee the availability of all NYS authorized and recommended vaccines availability to all who want them, including through bulk purchasing to prevent shortages and reduce costs.

2. Ensure state vaccine guidance reflects trusted medical authorities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

3. Require insurance companies doing business in NY State, including Medicaid and private insurers, to cover all vaccines without exception.

4. Include a request for funding to support rural vaccine access in the proposal NYS is submitting for the $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation program to expand and sustain vaccine access in relevant regions of NYS.

5. Position New York as a leader within the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, setting the standard for vaccine access and equity.

With the legislature out of session until January, New Yorkers can’t afford to wait.

Governor Hochul — we are asking you to act now to make vaccine access real for every New Yorker.