Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Health today announced actions taken to ensure all Vermonters have access to COVID-19 vaccines through primary care providers and pharmacies across Vermont.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way for us to protect ourselves and others, especially as we head into the fall season,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This order is a necessary step to make sure those who want a vaccine, can get one.”
To achieve this, the Department of Health has issued a standing order allowing for the administration of the vaccine based on guidance from national medical associations. With recent changes to vaccine administration guidance, this order will enable pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Vermonters who choose to receive one, as they have in past years.
On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law allowing for continued COVID shots and issued a joint statement with Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, while New York, Illinois and Arizona have issued executive orders to allow pharmacists to write prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines, according to Politico, now that federal action has made them harder to get. State public health departments or pharmacy boards in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia and Nevada have also issued standing orders to make it easier for pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines, Politico reported.
At his press conference Wednesday, Scott said that he would issue order soon over the COVID vaccine issue to ensure Vermonters could continue to receive them, just as they get a preventative flu shot each year. He said he also has been in contact with other Northeastern governors over the issue. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. issued new rules over the summer that indicated that only people who may get very sick from the virus should get the COVID vaccine, along with other restrictions.
“These recommendations should make it clear to Vermonters and providers that COVID-19 vaccines are available to all who want and need them,” said interim Health Commissioner Julie Arel. “The science has not changed. Vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19.”
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and how to protect yourself from COVID-19, flu and RSV visit HealthVermont.gov/StayHealthy.
California breaks from Trump and RFK Jr. over vaccines - POLITICO
The implications of the Trump administration's aggressive new vaccine policies : NPR
9.18.2025. Governor. 109 State Street | The Pavilion | Montpelier, VT 05609-0101 | www.vermont.gov
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