Arizona Governor Takes Decisive Steps to Enhance COVID-19 Vaccine Access
Amid growing concerns over vaccine availability for certain groups, Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs has taken a notable step to ensure broader access to COVID-19 vaccines across the state. This comes in response to the FDA’s recent approval of a new batch of COVID-19 vaccines for specific demographics, including older adults and individuals with severe health conditions.
Governor Hobbs has signed an executive order directing the Arizona Department of Health Services to implement a standing order. This order will act as a prescription, empowering pharmacists to administer vaccines in accordance with guidelines from esteemed health organizations like 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 stated, emphasizing her commitment to public health.
Additionally, the executive order mandates collaboration between the state health department and the Board of Pharmacy to assure the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Hobbs underscored the vital role vaccines play in public health, asserting, “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.”
Furthermore, the governor has instructed the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions to promote vaccine coverage within health insurance plans.
By issuing this order, Arizona joins the ranks of several other states with Democratic leadership, such as California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey, which have also taken measures to bypass the FDA’s guidance.
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