Bill > A08383

This bill expands the authority of licensed pharmacists in New York State to administer vaccines by allowing them to follow recommendations from the New York State Commissioner of Health, in addition to the existing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The bill modifies several sections of education and insurance law to provide more flexibility in vaccine administration, specifically allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines recommended by the state health commissioner that have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The legislation also removes the requirement for meningococcal disease immunization to strictly follow CDC recommendations, instead allowing the state health department to determine appropriate immunization standards. Additionally, the bill updates insurance coverage requirements to align with these new vaccination guidelines, ensuring that insurance plans cover immunizations recommended either by ACIP or the state health commissioner. These changes aim to increase vaccine accessibility and provide healthcare professionals with more discretion in determining appropriate immunization protocols, particularly in response to emerging public health needs or unique local circumstances.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8383