September 14, 2025Sep 14 States are taking steps to ease access to COVID-19 vaccines as they await federal recommendation September 13, 2025 "The governors of Arizona, Illinois, Maine and North Carolina on Friday joined the growing list of Democratic officials who have signed orders intended to ensure most residents can receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without individual prescriptions. Unlike past years, access to COVID-19 vaccines has become complicated in 2025, largely because federal guidance does not recommend them for nearly everyone this year as it had in the past. ... “I will not stand idly by while the Trump Administration makes it harder for Maine people to get a vaccine that protects their health and could very well save their life,” Maine Gov. Janet Mills said in the statement. “Through this standing order, we are stepping up to knock down the barriers the Trump Administration is putting in the way of the health and welfare of Maine people.” Democratic governors have been taking action At least 14 states — 12 with Democratic governors, plus Virginia, where Republican Glenn Youngkin is governor — have announced policies this month to ease access." (more) Associated Press https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/states-taking-steps-ease-access-190103471.html
September 14, 2025Sep 14 Author WA health department clears way for pharmacies to deliver COVID vaccines September 12, 2025 "Washington state pharmacies are once again administering COVID-19 booster shots, after Washington state officials authorized healthcare providers to bypass new federal restrictions. In early September, the Washington State Department of Health issued a standing order empowering pharmacists and other medical professionals to give out the most recent COVID vaccines to anyone 6 months or older. The order came in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricting the availability of the most recent versions of the shots. In August, the federal agency limited access to people 65 years or older and patients with health issues that put them at risk of developing complications from the illness. The FDA’s recommendation prevents younger and healthy people from getting vaccinated at pharmacies without a prescription. However, Washington’s new order gives pharmacies in the state the ability to bypass the restrictions and administer COVID booster shots without a doctor's approval. (more) KNKX Public Radio https://www.knkx.org/public-health/2025-09-12/washington-health-order-pharmacies-covid-19-vaccines-patients-fda
September 14, 2025Sep 14 Author New Jersey becomes latest state to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines New Jersey's order allows anyone aged six months and older to get the shot. September 11, 2025 "New Jersey has become the latest state to sign orders expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines, breaking with guidance from federal health agencies. The state Department of Health issued an executive directive on Tuesday allowing anyone aged six months or older to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine, in time for the upcoming respiratory virus season. The agency issued a separate order directing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to those who are three years and older. "At a time when COVID-19 cases are increasing across the country and as part of my Administration's dedication to evidence-based public health action, I am committed to ensuring everyone in New Jersey who wants to receive a COVID-19 vaccination can receive a dose this fall from trusted health professionals," Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. (more) ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/Health/new-jersey-latest-state-expand-access-covid-19/story?id=125444856
September 14, 2025Sep 14 Author California Breaks With CDC, Cosigns COVID Vaccine Guidelines From Medical Groups Sep 10, 2025 "Breaking with national public health policy, California officials are recommending that children 6 months to 2 years old, as well as people who are pregnant and lactating, should get vaccinated against COVID-19, following guidance from reputable medical groups. In a statement to KQED, the California Department of Public Health said Wednesday that it endorses recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines. The guidance, released last month, was in line with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations under the Biden Administration. “As a part of our efforts, along with our West Coast state partners and other states around the country, to provide a unified science-based approach to protecting the health of our communities, California is carefully considering guidance from various trusted national medical professional and scientifically based organizations,” the CDPH said. (more) KQED https://www.kqed.org/news/12055482/california-breaks-with-cdc-cosigns-covid-vaccine-guidelines-from-medical-groups
September 14, 2025Sep 14 Author Meanwhile, state legislation in California is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom to protect Californians' rights to obtain COVID and other vaccines despite recent and likely forthcoming federal restrictions from the Trump Administration: Per the California Medical Association: September 11, 2025 "What you need to know: CMA is strongly supporting SB 144 [also AB 144] to ensure Californians maintain access to life-saving vaccines amid federal uncertainty. The bill sets a clear baseline for vaccine coverage, authorizes the state to adapt to new evidence-based guidance, and protects providers who administer vaccines. The California Medical Association (CMA), in partnership with the Newsom administration and legislative leaders, has introduced SB 144 to protect access to vaccines in California. The measure comes as extreme agendas continue to shape conversations around vaccines, spreading misinformation and fear that threaten children’s health and undermine community immunity. SB 144 would safeguard California patients by: Establishing California’s baseline for vaccine coverage as the immunization schedule recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on January 1, 2025. [emphasis added] Authorizing the California Department of Public Health to modify or supplement these baseline vaccine recommendations, taking into account guidance from leading medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians." (more) https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/50978/CMA-introduces-legislation-to-safeguard-vaccine-access-in-California Essentially, the legislation would remove from state laws provisions that previously made vaccine access contingent on recommendations from various federal agencies. And instead, make a baseline for vaccination recommendations to be those predating the Trump Administration, as then later updated by the state department of health based on guidance from major medical organizations. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB144
September 14, 2025Sep 14 20 minutes ago, Stiddle Mump said: Don't know whether to laugh or cry. People want covid shots? What!! Not you😂. You might slurp cod liver oil if it's favoured in your conspiracy group.
September 14, 2025Sep 14 A pair of trolling posts have been removed for violating the forum's rules. "In factual areas such as news forums and current affairs topics member content that is claimed or portrayed as a fact should be supported by a link to a relevant reputable source" "You will not publicly discuss other members..."
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