New Mexico health officials sign order to 'ensure access' to COVID vaccines, despite pending federal approval

The state Department of Health on Saturday issued a public health order to “remove barriers and ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across the state.”

One of the biggest apparent barriers is a federal advisory group that lists New Mexico as one of three states that requires approval for vaccine distribution from pharmacies.

But DOH spokesperson Robert Nott said Saturday the department would work with the state’s Board of Pharmacy “to amend the regulations where (the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommendations are required for pharmacists to administer the vaccine.”

On Friday, a CVS spokesperson said they could not offer the newest COVID vaccines without approval from ACIP, an advisory board which recommends vaccine policy to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, who was recently fired and replaced.

An Albuquerque Walgreens told a Journal reporter Friday that anyone wanting the new COVID vaccine will need a prescription.

In a news release Saturday, state DOH officials said the department would work with New Mexico’s Board of Pharmacy to remove barriers to getting vaccines at pharmacies.

The DOH release stated that ACIP “has yet to convene and act on the matter.”

“It’s important for New Mexicans to know the New Mexico Department of Health is committed to keeping residents safe as we enter the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season,” state Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie said in a statement. “This order will remove obstacles to vaccination access.”

There were four new COVID vaccine formulations approved by the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday, but the release states “with a narrower range than prior seasons.”

The updated vaccines are for adults 65 and older across the board, but anyone younger will be required to have a condition, like asthma or obesity, “that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.”

Previously, U.S. policy stated annual COVID shots were recommended for all Americans 6 months and older — no matter age or condition.

The FDA also removed the availability of the Pfizer vaccine for children under 5, although the Moderna vaccine is available to children as young as 6 months, but only those with an underlying condition.

The news release from DOH said the department expected the new COVID vaccines to start arriving in New Mexico “within the next few weeks.” Where and how they will be available was less clear in the release.

In the public health order, dated Friday, DeBlassie directed the department “to collaborate with” the state BOP “to amend regulations to remove barriers and ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines.”