New York will give pharmacists cover to dispense COVID-19 vaccines this fall in the wake of uncertainty over federal immunization policy, a state official said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to sign an executive order Friday that will allow pharmacists to prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines. The Democratic governor is taking the action “so families who want protection can get it quickly, safely and close to home,” according to spokesperson Kara Cumoletti.

“Governor Hochul is making it clear that when Washington Republicans play politics with public health, New Yorkers [will] still be able to make their own health care decisions and get the care they need from trusted providers in their community,” Cumoletti said.

Hochul’s plans were first reported by Politico.

Under current sta

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