Hochul to Sign Order to Get Around U.S. Limits on Covid Vaccine

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York plans to sign an executive order to bypass U.S. restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The order will allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine to almost anyone who requests it, regardless of prescription or eligibility requirements. This move aims to increase vaccination rates in the state, as the federal government's guidelines have limited access to the vaccine for certain demographics. Hochul believes this step will make the vaccine more readily available and convenient for New Yorkers. The order is a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the desire to protect public health by expanding vaccine accessibility. It represents a state-level initiative to work around federal guidelines, which some have deemed too restrictive. The decision is expected to be a significant policy shift in New York's approach to the pandemic and could serve as a model for other states seeking to enhance their vaccination campaigns.