An advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Friday to limit access to COVID-19 vaccines, saying people should consult a health care provider before getting the shots. Now, the Arizona Department of Health Services has issued a standing order to serve as a prescription for all Arizonans who want to get the shot.
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs last week issued an executive order asking the health department for the standing order. The health department issued the order Friday. Hobbs said it will ensure Arizonans 6 months and older will still have access to this year’s updated COVID-19 shot without needing an individual prescription from a doctor.
“Ahead of respiratory illness season, removing barriers to COVID-19 vaccines is crucial to ensuring Arizonans’ health care freedom, maintaining public health infrastructure, and reducing strain on hospitals and health care workers,” a press release from the governor’s office said.
But regulatory confusion caused by recent turmoil at the CDC means Arizonans may still face hurdles before they can actually get the vaccine.
In Arizona, pharmacies cannot administer the shots to kids under 6. And, under the new, more restrictive federal guidelines, it still remains unclear whether most insurers will cover the shot, or whether all Arizona pharmacies will carry it.
The state health department says it will keep its website updated as the situation evolves.
