Vaccine Access: Strategies & Action Steps – Becker’s Hospital Review

HereS a summary of the actions taken by each state regarding COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and access, based on the provided text:

Washington: Aligned vaccine recommendations with “respected national medical organizations” (rather than solely relying on ACIP).
Colorado: Issued a public health order allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines without prescriptions to those 6 months and older, and ensuring full vaccine coverage for Medicaid members.
Pennsylvania: Directed pharmacists to follow guidance from the FDA, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians, instead of solely relying on ACIP recommendations.
New York: Declared a disaster related to federal vaccine access, allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines without a prescription to anyone 3 years or older (including pregnant women and healthy adults/children).
Minnesota: Issued a standing order for COVID vaccines, providing flexibility for healthcare providers and pharmacists, and making vaccines available irrespective of upcoming ACIP recommendations.
New Jersey: Made the updated COVID vaccine eligible for anyone 6 months and older, and authorized pharmacists to administer vaccines to individuals 3 and older. Younger children can receive vaccines from their healthcare provider. Connecticut: (Information incomplete in the provided text – the sentence ends mid-thoght).

Key Trend: A common theme across these states is a move away* from solely relying on the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for vaccine guidance, and instead looking to other medical organizations or issuing orders to broaden access through pharmacists.