Make Coronavirus Vaccine As Accessible As Flu Shot, NYC Pol Says

NEW YORK, NY — A Manhattan lawmaker has introduced legislation that he says will ensure the vaccine for the new coronavirus is available to as many New Yorkers as possible as soon as it is approved.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman, whose district stretched from the Village to Central Park, introduced a bill Friday that would add the yet-to-be-made COVID-19 vaccine to a list of vaccines, like the flu shot, that can be given by pharmacists and certified nurse practitioners as well as physicians.

The legislation, Hoylman says, would make it as easy as possible for New Yorkers to access the vaccine once it is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

“New York is the epicenter of the global COVID-19 pandemic...We need to marshal every available resource to stop this epidemic in its tracks," Hoylman said. "I’m introducing this legislation so that when a cure for COVID-19 is ready, as many New Yorkers as possible can access it. Now, more than ever, it’s clear we have to follow the science and protect herd immunity."

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Physicians are currently allowed to administer any immunization, but pharmacists and certified nurse practitioners are only allowed to give those on a specific list of communicable diseases, such as the flu, tetanus and diphtheria.

Hoylman's legislation, which would take effect the same day that a COVID-19 vaccine is approved by the FDA, would add the coronavirus vaccine to that list.

At least 35 companies and research institutions have started trying to create a coronavirus vaccine, including a Boston company that claims it has one ready for testing, according to Hoylman's office. Experts have said the vaccine would likely not be ready for at least 18 months.

The vaccine bill is one of several that iHoylman has introduced to address potential problems during the coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier this month, the lawmaker introduced legislation that would allow local government and other civic bodies to meet virtually instead of in person. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has since suspended the Open Meetings Law to let community boards and other bodies do so.

Hoylman also introduced a bill to stop price-gouging of hand sanitizer, face masks and other medical products during a health emergency.