State health department issues COVID-19 vaccine health order

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order to help ensure all New Mexicans can access the COVID-19 vaccine.  
 
The order comes in response to some pharmacies announcing they cannot administer the vaccine in New Mexico unless recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an advisory group to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has yet to convene and act on the matter. The order directs New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) to work with New Mexico’s Board of Pharmacy to remove potential barriers and ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across the state. 
 
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations, although with a narrower range than prior seasons. The state expects the updated COVID-19 vaccine to start arriving in New Mexico within the next few weeks.  
 
“It’s important for New Mexicans to know the New Mexico Department of Health is committed to keeping residents safe as we enter the 2025 – 2026 respiratory virus season,” said Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie. “This order will remove obstacles to vaccination access.” 
 
There are no issues with pharmacies administering the influenza vaccine in the state as the ACIP has recommended that vaccine for persons aged six months and older.  
 
A copy of the public health order is available on the NMDOH website.