State leaders say new proposals would strengthen vaccine availability and modernize existing laws.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York State leaders on Friday introduced two new bills aimed at protecting access to vaccines.
The first bill would require health insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the state Commissioner of Health to the Superintendent of Financial Services, as well as vaccines recommended by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
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The second bill would remove references to ACIP from several areas of state law, including Public Health Law provisions on school immunization requirements and newborn immunization schedules. It would also apply to education law rules governing which immunizations can be prescribed or ordered by physicians and nurse practitioners and administered by pharmacists.
The bill also amends the Social Services Law related to Medicaid coverage, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office.
In addition, the legislation would expand pharmacists’ authority to offer the COVID-19 vaccine. Under current state law, pharmacists can only administer the vaccine to adults. The proposed change would allow pharmacists to provide the COVID-19 immunization to children ages 2 to 18.