In a firm step towards expanding health care autonomy, Governor Katie Hobbs proclaimed the issuance of a standing order by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). This decisive move, announced earlier today, puts the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine within easier reach for Arizona residents over 6 months old. Hobbs has made it clear that enabling pharmacists and health care providers to administer the vaccine without a prescription is about ensuring the well-being of Arizonans, stating, “We are securing Arizonans’ health care freedom.”
Previously, an approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limited the vaccine to seniors over 65 and specific high-risk individuals. However, owing to the standing order, signed after Hobbs's executive directive, was diluting these restrictions, pharmacists in Arizona can now vaccinate anyone aged 6 and older. As per ADHS’s update, children between 6 months and 6 years old must still go through health care providers to receive their vaccine, which may leave some parents scrambling.
In a statement obtained by the Office of the Arizona Governor, Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS Public Health Medical Advisor and former Surgeon General, emphasized the significance of vaccines: “Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities.” Carmona cites the reduction in severe illness, hospitalization, and deaths as key benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.
With the respiratory illness season on the way, removing hurdles to vaccine access is viewed as key to maintaining public health. Yet, this forward stride does not translate into a guarantee: the standing order does not compel pharmacies to offer the vaccine, nor does it ensure all insurance plans will cover the costs associated with its administration. Meanwhile, individuals at higher risk have been celebrating this news, hoping they will be able to obtain the vaccine from any pharmacy they approach that accepts the standing order.
The confusion following federal changes to vaccine eligibility has not gone unnoticed by ADHS. ADHS Interim Director Sheila Sjolander expressed the department's commitment to clarity: “We understand the federal changes have caused confusion about eligibility for vaccination,” and “We are committed to keeping the public updated on our recommendations throughout this respiratory season.” Arizonans seeking clarification and the latest information on the standing order can visit the ADHS website, as relayed by Sjolander.
