Getting updated COVID-19 shots still a challenge, despite governor's executive order

Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine can still be a challenge for some New Yorkers, even after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order designed to make it accessible to everyone 3 years of age and older in the state.

As of Monday afternoon, online scheduling for the nation’s largest pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens, did not allow people under the age of 65 without underlying health conditions to make appointments.

However, if people answered "yes" as to whether they had the conditions — which include asthma, high blood pressure, depression and obesity — they were allowed to make appointments for their vaccinations.

Amy Thibault, a spokeswoman for CVS, said in an email, "We’re working to clarify the updated New York guidance for our pharmacy teams and to adjust the language on the digital scheduler."

Walgreens did not respond to requests for comment.

The executive order was signed Friday and went into effect immediately. It allows physicians and nurse practitioners to order the updated COVID-19 vaccine for pharmacists to administer to children as young as 3. In addition, pharmacists can prescribe the vaccination on their own.

These changes will remain in place for at least 30 days while Hochul works with the state Legislature on a more permanent solution to vaccine access, officials said.

The order does not required pharmacists to offer the COVID-19 vaccine but they can choose to participate, state health officials said.

"New Yorkers still need a prescription for the COVID vaccine, either through the Commissioner's Standing Order for those covered under it, or a patient-specific script from a provider or pharmacist for those not covered through it," state Health Department spokesperson Cadence Acquaviva told Newsday in an email.

The Pharmacists Society of the State of New York sent an email to all its members on Friday notifying them of the executive order, said Danny Dang, the group’s chairman.

"That shouldn’t be an issue anymore," he said of the requirement of a doctor’s prescription for people under 65 without a qualifying medical condition.

Most of the state’s independent pharmacists belong to the organization, as do some pharmacists with CVS, Walgreens and other chains, he said.

Previously, the COVID-19 vaccines were available to everyone 6 months and older in the United States. But two weeks ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a decision to limit that authorization for people 65 and older as well as those who are younger and have certain chronic medical conditions.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices must now make recommendations based on that FDA authorization. That panel is not set to meet until Sept. 18, adding to the confusion. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the previous members of the panel in June and drew criticism from some experts for replacing them with individuals who share his skeptical view of vaccines.

Kennedy came under fire last week when he told members of Congress anyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get it, a statement some thought was undercutting the problems people are facing at pharmacies across the nation.

Attempts to register Monday morning for a COVID-19 vaccine for someone under 65 with no qualifying medical conditions on the websites of the nation's two largest pharmacy chains — CVS and Walgreens — were unsuccessful.

CVS's website said, "Based on what you told us, (name) isn't eligible for a COVID-19 (new) vaccine right now."

Below, under "What can I do from here," the website said, "Contact (name) primary care provider to help with next steps."

Walgreens had a similar message, stating the vaccine is for those 65 and older or "with certain health conditions and/or risk factors."

State health officials are expected to release guidance for pharmacies, clinicians and other vaccine administrators in the coming days.