Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills on May 15 to protect access to vaccines for New Yorkers. The legislation was introduced in March with the support of Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
The new laws come as officials say the Trump administration continues to question the scientific consensus on immunization safety and effectiveness. Supporters argue that these measures are intended to keep New Yorkers healthy by maintaining reliable access to recommended vaccines.
The first bill requires health insurers in New York State to cover not only vaccines recommended by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice, but also those recommended by the state Commissioner of Health using recognized medical standards and input from national or international scientific organizations. The second bill removes references to ACIP from various state laws related to school immunizations, physician and pharmacist authority, and Medicaid coverage. It also authorizes pharmacists under state law to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages two through eighteen; previously, pharmacists could only give these vaccines to adults.
“When public health comes under attack by an anti-science administration, New York fights back,” Governor Hochul said. “Sadly, our country has witnessed the deadly consequences of politicizing science and rejecting expert opinion, especially for young people. That’s why this legislation protects access to lifesaving vaccines for New Yorkers of all ages. I thank Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for partnering with us on this legislation to keep New Yorkers healthy.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting public health and ensuring New Yorkers continue to have access to safe, effective, evidence-based immunizations…this legislation reinforces New York State’s commitment.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that “New York is making the conscious choice…to champion our medical professionals and reaffirm this state’s commitment” through a legislative package she described as “comprehensive and scientifically grounded.” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie added that “the Assembly Majority will always prioritize the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers.” Other lawmakers echoed support for safeguarding vaccine access amid concerns about federal policy changes.
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said it was important that decisions remain with local medical experts rather than federal authorities or figures like RFK Jr., while State Senator Gustavo Rivera stated that signing these bills sends a message nationally about prioritizing science over conspiracy theories.
As implementation moves forward, officials say they aim both to reinforce trust in science-based healthcare guidance within communities across the state and ensure no loss of coverage or barriers prevent residents from receiving necessary vaccinations.
