(Binghamton, NY) At a time when vaccine efficacy is being challenged by the U.S. Department of Health and members of the federal government, Senator Webb and the Senate Democratic Majority advanced a package of legislation that upholds scientific standards, expands access to vaccinations, and further empowers state health care providers to administer vaccines and immunizations to New Yorkers. 

This package includes legislation that would permit pharmacy technicians, nurses, and medical assistants to administer vaccinations and immunizations; require children’s vaccine requirements to abide by regulations issued by the state Commissioner of Health; and obligate insurance providers to expand coverage and reimbursements for vaccines and immunizations. 

As the federal Department of Health seeks to remove vaccinations from standardized immunization schedules, this package also incorporates legislation that would require insurance providers and Medicaid to continue covering certain vaccines and immunizations, protecting insurance coverage for New Yorkers. 

“Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to keep our communities healthy and prevent the spread of serious disease,” said Senator Webb. “At a time when their value is being called into question at the federal level, New York is choosing to follow science. This legislative package expands who can administer vaccines, keeps immunization requirements guided by our Department of Health, and protects insurance coverage so cost is never a barrier to lifesaving care. Our priority is simple: making sure every New Yorker can access the vaccines they need to stay safe.”

The legislation being passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes: 

● Authorizing Registered Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Immunizations: This bill, S.7025B, sponsored by Senator Cooney, would authorize registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists while under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. 

● Requiring Coverage of COVID-19 and Other Established Vaccinations: This bill, S.8334A, sponsored by Senator Gounardes, would require commercial insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccinations, and would require Medicaid to cover the same and other established vaccinations. 

● Broadening Immunization Recommendations and Coverage: This bill, S.8496C, sponsored by Senator Hinchey, would authorize health care practitioners to order and administer immunizations recommended not only by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), but also by independent, state, or interstate entities. Furthermore, it would require state-regulated insurance plans to cover vaccines recommended by these entities.

● Ensuring Sound Childhood Immunization Practices: This bill, S.8853, sponsored by Senator Mayer, would call for children’s vaccine requirements to conform to regulations issued by the state Commissioner of Health, which regulations must be based on generally accepted medical standards and recommendations. 

● Permitting Nursing Students to Administer Certain Vaccines: This bill, S.5706A, sponsored by Senator Skoufis, would permit nursing students to administer certain vaccines, and would permit physicians and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order nursing students to administer certain vaccines. 

● Requiring the Reimbursement of Vaccination Expenses: This bill, S.5852, sponsored by Senator Skoufis, would require insurance companies to reimburse total direct and indirect practice expenses associated with vaccinations, in order for health care providers to more affordably administer vaccines. 

● Authorizing Medical Assistants to Administer Vaccinations: This bill, S.5340B, sponsored by Senator Stavisky, would authorize and train medical assistants to administer immunizations under the direct supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. 

###