As New Federal COVID Vaccine Guidelines From Feds Emerge, Hochul Issues Direction For NY

NEW YORK, NY — Right before new federal guidelines on the COVID vaccine were voted upon by a federal committee last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a path forward for New Yorkers.

In recent days, Hochul, stating that science and health care were "under attack by the federal government," announced the release of New York State’s 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine guidance, ensuring that residents continue to have access to vaccines and science-based information, she said.

The guidance recommends COVID vaccination for children 6 months to 18 years old, all adults, and individuals at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, lactating, or immunocompromised.

The guidelines were released ahead of last week’s federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting, where national vaccine recommendations were reviewed and voted on.

On Friday, that panel, convened by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said that COVID-19 shots should be administered only with after a consultation with a healthcare provider; health insurance would still provide access, Reuters said. Another vote, that said states would require a prescription for the COVID vaccine, did not win a majority, the outlet added.

"Vaccines remain one of the strongest tools we have to safeguard our families and our communities," Hochul said. "As Washington continues to launch its misguided attacks on science, New York is making it clear that every resident will have access to the COVID vaccine, no exceptions. By standing with our partners across the Northeast, we are ensuring that New Yorkers have the protection and the information they need to stay safe and healthy."

According to Hochul, the state's guidance also aligns with consensus COVID-19 recommendations agreed upon by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a group of several Northeastern states and municipalities including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and New York City. The recommendations, she said, are consistent with the fall 2025 COVID-19 vaccination guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Hochul has taken several steps to ensure that vaccines remain accessible to New Yorkers even as restrictions continue to loom at the federal level. Earlier in September, Hochul signed an executive order, allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer COVID vaccines, ensuring continued access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated.

The order will be extended as necessary while a long-term legislative solution is developed to address access to all vaccines "in order to combat the Trump Administration’s misguided attack on immunization and healthcare," Hohul said.

At Hochul's direction, the state also recently issued guidance to insurers, encouraging them to continue covering all vaccines recommended by the ACIP. The guidance also reminds insurers of previously issued guidance requiring insurers to cover COVID vaccines for children, and urges insurers to encourage employers and other entities who provide self-funded health care coverage to continue covering the cost of vaccines, Hochul said.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added: "Vaccines save lives, and this guidance ensures every New Yorker from our youngest children to those at highest risk has safe, reliable access to the COVID vaccine. We are standing firm on our commitment to protecting the health of every New Yorker."