Hochul issues executive order rejecting RFK Jr.’s proposed COVID vaccine limits for New Yorkers.

On September 5, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York signed an executive order aimed at ensuring the continued availability of COVID-19 vaccines across the state. This measure comes in response to recent actions by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which sought to limit access to these vital immunizations.

The executive order, which declares a health emergency, grants pharmacists the authority to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to any individual who chooses to receive it, regardless of underlying health conditions. This provision allows residents of New York to obtain the vaccine conveniently at local pharmacies.

Governor Hochul emphasized the necessity of her actions in light of what she perceives as a lack of federal leadership. She asserted the state’s commitment to ensuring that residents have reliable access to vaccines and preventive healthcare measures. The order enables pharmacists and physicians to prescribe the newly updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone aged three and older, a move that is expected to bolster public health efforts.

Although the most severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are waning, health officials maintain that vaccination continues to offer crucial protection. Dr. James McDonald, New York’s Health Commissioner, noted that vaccination is one of the most potent tools for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality associated with COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The executive order will remain in effect for 30 days while the state develops a comprehensive, long-term policy framework. This framework may involve collaboration with other state governments to ensure a cohesive approach to vaccination efforts.

Governor Hochul’s decision follows a contentious Senate committee hearing in which Kennedy defended his measures to limit vaccine access. Critics of Kennedy argue that his policies undermine public health initiatives, as they reflect a growing trend of skepticism toward vaccines, particularly mRNA formulations that have been instrumental in addressing the pandemic.

Under Kennedy’s oversight, the Food and Drug Administration had recently issued more restrictive guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations. The updated protocols only permit access to individuals over the age of 65 or those with certain medical conditions. For children, vaccinations require explicit authorization from a healthcare provider, sharply curtailing the previously broad access available to adult individuals.

Public health experts have expressed concern that these limitations are a manifestation of a broader anti-vaccine sentiment influenced by Kennedy’s views. They warn that such trends could jeopardize the progress made in the fight against COVID-19 and public health at large. The aftermath of these developments underscores the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine accessibility and public health policies.

Media News Source