The Fidelis Care Blog

Fidelis Care would like to inform providers of a significant development impacting COVID-19 vaccine access across New York State.

On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order declaring a disaster emergency to ensure near-universal access to the latest COVID-19 vaccines. This order, effective through October 5, 2025, enables pharmacists to prescribe and administer the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine formulations to patients ages 3 and older.

While the FDA has only approved the latest vaccine formulations for individuals at high risk of severe illness or those aged 65 and older, the executive order allows broader access in anticipation of the upcoming respiratory virus season.

Key Points for Providers:

• Pharmacists may now prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines to patients ages 3+ under the emergency order.
• State and city health departments recommend vaccination for all individuals aged 19 and older.
• Federal coverage decisions are pending CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) review. In the meantime, providers should advise patients to confirm coverage with their health plans.

We recognize that this evolving landscape may cause confusion for patients and providers alike. We encourage you to stay informed and communicate clearly with your patients regarding vaccine availability and coverage.

Thank you for your continued commitment to public health and your support in ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Fidelis Care would like to inform providers of a significant development impacting COVID-19 vaccine access across New York State.

On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order declaring a disaster emergency to ensure near-universal access to the latest COVID-19 vaccines. This order, effective through October 5, 2025, enables pharmacists to prescribe and administer the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine formulations to patients ages 3 and older.

While the FDA has only approved the latest vaccine formulations for individuals at high risk of severe illness or those aged 65 and older, the executive order allows broader access in anticipation of the upcoming respiratory virus season.

Key Points for Providers:

• Pharmacists may now prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines to patients ages 3+ under the emergency order.
• State and city health departments recommend vaccination for all individuals aged 19 and older.
• Federal coverage decisions are pending CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) review. In the meantime, providers should advise patients to confirm coverage with their health plans.

We recognize that this evolving landscape may cause confusion for patients and providers alike. We encourage you to stay informed and communicate clearly with your patients regarding vaccine availability and coverage.

Thank you for your continued commitment to public health and your support in ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.