Now that Florida is initiating steps to become the first state to eliminate school vaccine mandates, some states are contemplating following suit, while others are committing to safeguarding vaccines for both children and adults.
Florida’s announcement on Wednesday, along with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s efforts to promote anti-vaccine policies, has intensified the discussion around vaccine mandates — which have long been essential in combating infectious diseases.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said roughly 4 million deaths are prevented annually worldwide by childhood vaccinations.
Although the majority of Americans believe that children should be vaccinated to attend school, adults across the country are increasingly viewing these immunizations as less important. Concurrently, there has been a decline in routine childhood vaccination rates.
Here is a rundown of what states are saying about vaccine mandates:
Massachusetts moves to protect access
Democratic Governor Maura Healey issued a bulletin on Thursday, stating that insurance providers will be mandated to cover vaccinations recommended by the state’s public health department, regardless of federal government endorsements. Healey emphasized her commitment to ensuring residents can afford the vaccines they desire.
The vaccinations that Massachusetts insurers must cover include regular shots for children, such as measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. Healey mentioned that her state is also spearheading a bipartisan coalition of eight Northeast states that convened during the summer to discuss the coordination of vaccine recommendations.
West Coast governors band together
This week, the Democratic governors in Washington, Oregon, and California announced the formation of an alliance to develop their own vaccine recommendations. They aim to collaborate on vaccine recommendations and immunization plans based on scientific evidence from reputable national medical organizations, as outlined in a joint statement.
Illinois seeks advice from medical experts
The state health department said it plans to issue specific guidance by the end of September that will help health care providers and residents make informed decisions about vaccinations. The health director said the department will consult with medical experts.
New Mexico gives the green light to vaccines
Pharmacists have received the go-ahead to administer COVID-19 shots based on state health department guidelines rather than just the federal government’s immunization advisory committee. Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie said Friday in a statement that New Mexico “cannot afford to wait for the federal government to act on this matter.”
Drugstore giant CVS responded by saying it will ensure the shots are in its pharmacies across the state as soon as possible.
Pennsylvania, Colorado and Washington protect COVID-19 shots
Pennsylvania’s pharmacy board voted this week to protect the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for those most in need and make it accessible across the state, at the urging of Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also directed health officials to make sure residents are able to be vaccinated against the virus. A new order that went into effect Friday allows pharmacists to provide the vaccines without individual prescriptions.
Health leaders in Washington state issued a similar order covering COVID-19 shots for most residents.
