URGENT UPDATE: New York residents seeking the latest COVID vaccine may face significant hurdles as pharmacies and local providers grapple with changing federal guidelines. As of now, CVS and Walgreens have confirmed they will administer the new shots, but patients will now need a prescription from a doctor—an unprecedented requirement that complicates access.
Health officials are sounding alarms as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved updated COVID vaccines for individuals over 65 and younger people with underlying health conditions. Despite these approvals, Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated, “The COVID vaccine remains available for anyone who chooses it in consultation with their healthcare provider.”
However, this statement clashes with the reality on the ground in New York, where pharmacies require a non-patient-specific prescription, known as a “standing order,” to administer vaccines. Roger Paganelli, a supervising pharmacist in the Bronx, emphasized, “We need that guidance to be able to get those shots in those arms.” Currently, he has halted vaccine administration until the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets on September 18, 2023, to discuss COVID vaccines.
The confusion is further exacerbated by the evolving federal immunization guidelines, creating uncertainty among local healthcare providers. Many are still assessing how to navigate the new regulations. In Brooklyn, parents like Emily Hoffman report struggling to secure COVID vaccines for their children, questioning if pediatricians will be able to offer the shots this year. “She is in preschool… which puts my husband and I at risk of getting sick as well,” Hoffman stated.
As health officials review the situation, CDC data indicates a recent uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations across the nation. Although COVID levels detected in New York wastewater remain low, surges continue, and thousands endure long COVID symptoms.
The city’s health department has confirmed it will follow scientific guidance but has not clarified whether it will issue standing orders without ACIP’s input. “We will issue updated guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccination in the upcoming weeks,” the department stated.
Doctors are also in a precarious position, unsure of whether the shots will be covered by insurance. “We’re all kind of in a state of limbo right now,” commented Dr. Jessica Sessions, a pediatrician in Manhattan. Similarly, Dr. Philippa Gordon, a retired pediatrician, warned that a lack of clarity on insurance coverage may deter providers from ordering vaccines in bulk.
In light of this confusion, many families are left anxiously waiting for clear answers. As of April, only 15% of New York children were fully vaccinated against COVID, prompting the American Academy of Pediatrics to categorize young children as “high risk” and recommend they remain up-to-date on vaccinations.
As New Yorkers navigate these challenges, the urgency for clear guidance and accessible vaccines has never been more critical. Health officials and families alike are hopeful for swift action as the ACIP prepares to meet, aiming to resolve the ongoing vaccination landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and ensure that you consult with your healthcare provider for the latest information regarding COVID vaccinations in New York.