ALBANY, NY – Governor Hochul has signed legislation (S. 4807/A.6476) that will enable pharmacists in the state to administer all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to anyone over the age of 18. Before this new law, pharmacists were allowed to administer only some of those vaccines.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Senior New York Government Relations Director Michael Davoli released the following statement:
“This new law is long overdue and we thank Governor Hochul for getting this done quickly. More than 90% of the nation’s population live within two miles of a community pharmacy and over 95% live within five miles. Expanding access will assist countless New Yorkers and remove barriers to lifesaving vaccinations.
“The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and can help prevent six types of cancer. Expanding vaccine access in pharmacies will help make the HPV vaccine more available to all New Yorkers. Pharmacies traditionally have longer hours of operation making them more accessible for many vaccination services. This is particularly true during the pandemic with consumers concerned for their safety.
“We also thank bill sponsors Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with Governor Hochul and the state legislature to pass and enact more legislation that will make health care more accessible to all New Yorkers.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.