Massachusetts DPH orders COVID vaccines to be available to broad group

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Department of Public Health in Massachusetts announced a standing order for COVID vaccines to be allowed at all qualified Massachusetts pharmacies to all eligible persons, a broader group in this case than the federal recommendation.

This comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports FDA guidance that limits who can get the vaccines and booster shots.

According to ABC News, the new federal guidelines could make some Americans’ access to the fall booster more difficult.

For example, according to the recommendations, people five years to 64 years old should receive the Pfizer vaccine only if they have an underlying health condition.

The CDC’s advisory committee will make final recommendations.

Additionally, Kennedy said all three vaccines are “available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.”

Governor Maura Healey has pushed back against restricting the vaccine, and said Massachusetts is “going to make sure vaccines remain available in Massachusetts.”

Gov. Healey released the following statement:

“No matter what happens with Robert Kennedy and the federal government, we are going to make sure vaccines remain available in Massachusetts. At my direction, our Commissioner of Public Health issued an order on Friday to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents. We are working to ensure that all pharmacies make the vaccine available as soon as possible.”