Gov. Katie Hobbs issued an executive order to ensure Arizonans can access COVID-19 vaccines.
Last month, the FDA approved a new round of COVID vaccines for limited populations, including older adults and those with severe health problems. That led to concerns that other groups, like healthy children and young adults, could have trouble obtaining vaccines.
In her executive order, Hobbs directed the Arizona Department of Health Services to issue a standing order that will function as a prescription allowing pharmacists to administer the vaccines in line with guidance from health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
“We are taking action to protect the health care freedom of Arizonans,” Hobbs said in a statement.
Hobbs also ordered the state health department to work with the Board of Pharmacy to ensure COVID vaccines are broadly available.
“Vaccines are critical tools that safeguard public health and prevent serious illness. Arizonans and their doctors deserve the freedom to access the COVID vaccine if it is right for them. With this Executive Order, we are following the science and ensuring that Arizonans have access to vaccines to keep themselves and their families safe,” she said.
She also directed the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions to encourage health insurance plans to cover those vaccines.
The order makes Arizona the latest state with a Democratic governor to circumvent the FDA’s guidance, following California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, New York and New Jersey.
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Arizonans had been facing hurdles to getting COVID-19 shots amid regulatory confusion caused by shakeups at the CDC. But a state health department order has now cleared the way for broader access.
