COVID Advocacy NY

The executive order & legislative solutions will ensure permanent & continuing access to vaccines, including administration of vaccines by health care professionals & insurance coverage. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-executive-order-expanding-access-vaccines-amid-uncertainty-washington

Governor Hochul Calls on Insurers to Cover Life-saving Vaccines in New York State Governor Hochul announced new action to protect vaccine access across New York State.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul just sent a letter directing insurers to cover the COVID vaccine and other vaccines.

New York officials urging insurance companies to continue covering vaccinations Gov. Kathy Hochul said the New York State Department of Financial Services sent a letter to insurance companies to encourage them to continue covering vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on...

"New York officials urging insurance companies to continue covering vaccinations"

www.mynbc5.com/article/new-...

New Yorkers: Public health actvists & others in NY: pls read this short convo! It appears Costco is refusing to follow Gov. Hochul's PH order regarding covid vax access. If so, I expect many New Yorkers would like to know this, so they can modify their shopping accordingly. Please tag NY covid grps!

Hochul to let pharmacists prescribe COVID vaccines amid federal policy shift Gov. Kathy Hochul visits the Great New York State Fair. An executive order comes as access tightens and lawmakers eye state-level solutions. [ more › ]

Hochul to let pharmacists prescribe COVID vaccines amid federal policy shift https://gothamist.com/news/hochul-to-let-pharmacists-prescribe-covid-vaccines-amid-federal-policy-shift

VACCINES FOR ALL: Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer Covid-19 vaccines to New Yorkers who request them, according to plans shared exclusively with Playbook. The Democrat’s executive order will mirror actions taken by other blue state governors this week to protect access to the latest Covid vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration has only granted limited approval of the jab for older adults and individuals considered to be high-risk. That’s prompted Democratic leaders to create their own vaccine guidance and explore ways they can legally protect access to the shot for everyone. “By signing this EO, Governor Hochul is making it clear that when Washington Republicans play politics with public health, New Yorkers will still be able to make their own health care decisions and get the care they need from trusted providers in their community,” Hochul spokesperson Kara Cumoletti said in a statement to POLITICO. This morning, POLITICO Pro reported that the Hochul administration is reviewing potential solutions to the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict vaccine access. However, a long-term fix may require legislative changes by lawmakers either through a special session, or when they return to the state Capitol in January. “This temporary order will ensure seamless access while the Governor works with the Legislature on a long-term solution to safeguard preventive care and vaccines,” Cumoletti added. — Katelyn Cordero

BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul is set to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer Covid-19 vaccines to anyone who requests them, regardless of age or underlying conditions.

Who is Micah Lasher, Nadler’s heir apparent?

Gov Hochul "is set to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to prescribe & administer Covid-19 vaccines to [NYers] who request them.. executive order will mirror actions taken by other blue state governors this week to protect access to..latest Covid vaccine" www.politico.com/newsletters/...

PSA: There’s a difference between wearing a mask or respirator & wearing a gaiter or face covering to disguise identity. It’s important to discern & communicate this nuance because if you don’t, you might encourage elected officials to ban masks for everyone, which would be a public health disaster.

Masks are an essential public health tool to help protect against COVID-19 and more. #NoNYMaskBan

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We agree! At @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social we have been pushing for a free N95 mask program in NYC over past few years, including advocating for NYC Council bill Int 0332-2024 that would set up a free mask program.

New Yorkers, please send an email to City Council actionnetwork.org/letters/free...

A yellow background and a meter indicating moderate wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2. The text reads: National COVID-19 metrics continue to report declines, as the U.S. remains in a moderate lull between winter and summer surges. There are signs of increased disease spread on the West Coast, indicating that this region may experience the start of a summer wave before others. While COVID-19 levels have remained at more moderate levels this spring, the U.S. has faced a record pollen season, and common cold viruses (rhinoviruses and enteroviruses) are also on the upswing. Still, masks, testing, improved ventilation, and other health precautions can help reduce the spread of many airborne health threats, not just COVID-19.

Line chart, titled "Regional SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Concentrations." The X axis represents time, going from January 2024 to May 2025, and the Y axis represents average SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater, labeled "effective concentration, copies/mL." The chart includes four lines for the four U.S. regions: West in green, South in pink, Midwest in purple, Northeast in yellow. All four regions experienced surges in winter 2023-'24, summer 2024, and winter 2024-'25, followed by a slow decline through the latest data in early May. The West, which saw a lower winter surge this year, reported a slight increase in viral levels in the latest data.

National COVID-19 metrics continue to report declines, as the US remains in a moderate lull between winter & summer surges. There are signs of increased disease spread on the West Coast, indicating this region may experience the start of a summer wave before others.

COVID-19 trends: bit.ly/3FgFMQ6

Image featuring a man wearing a 3M Aura N95 mask and a lanyard, standing in front of a projected slide. The text reads: “Seriously dude? Still masking? Yup. Still.” One professor’s take on health, identity, and long COVID in a short-sighted world → Text on the bottom bar: Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences

Text on white background with pink “Personal Experiences” label. Quote reads: “So here I am. Still masking. And yes, I still hear it: ‘Dude, seriously? Still?’ Yup. Still. Because the pandemic didn’t end—it just got rebranded.” — Sean Mullen, PhD We’re still facing the same virus. But now it’s wrapped in a different narrative, one that ignores science and risk. He doesn’t buy it. And he’s not alone. Footer: Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences

Quote on white background with pink “Personal Experiences” label. Text reads: “I didn’t change. The world did.” — Sean Mullen, PhD Sean wasn’t always this cautious. He trained hard, rolled Jiu Jitsu, traveled often, and drank craft stouts. He lived intensely. But becoming a dad reshaped his focus. From the now to the long-term. He realized prioritizing your health lets you keep showing up—present, functional, and ready for the future. Footer: Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences

Quote on white background with pink “Personal Experiences” label. Text reads: “The mask doesn’t hide me. It reveals me.” — Sean Mullen, PhD For Sean, masking isn’t about isolation—it’s about intention. It shows who he is: someone who values health, responsibility, and the science of long-term well-being. It’s a visible commitment to protecting himself and others, for now and for the future. Horizontal rainbow-colored line underneath. Footer: Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences Share this post if you’re still masking, too.

"Still masking?" Here's why one health professor hasn't stopped.

Sean Mullen, PhD, used to take risks. He trained in martial arts, traveled frequently, and lived a high-intensity lifestyle. But as research on the long-term effects of COVID-19 emerged, his priorities shifted.

Weill Cornell Medicine press release: Study Reveals How COVID-19 Infection Can Cause or Worsen Diabetes September 13, 2024. Visual: A mini-organ made from human stem cells that includes insulin-producing pancreatic cells (green), blood vessel cells (blue), and immune cells (red). Credit: Liuliu Yang https://bit.ly/Cornell_C19Pancreas

Led by Weill Cornell, a stem cell study that looked at infected mini organs (made of pancreatic cells, blood vessel cells & immune cells) reveals how COVID can trigger an immune response that harms the pancreas & trigger Type 1 Diabetes or worsen existing conditions.  bit.ly/Cornell_C19P...

COVID-19 is not over.

Everyone has a right to wear a mask.

NY should encourage masking and provide free N95 masks to everyone who needs them.

NY should NOT pass anti-mask policies in the state budget!

#NoNYMaskBan

New Yorkers, have you called yet? It is outrageous Democrats are working to add a sentencing enhancement for wearing a medical mask while New Yorkers continue to die from COVID-19, be hospitalized, & go on to get #LongCOVID! This whole thing is outrageous and against public health. #NoNYMaskBan

More info in our #NoNYMaskBan Action Toolkit: covidadvocacyny.org/stopmaskbanny

New Yorkers, keep calling! Tell your electeds not to include any anti-mask legislation in the state budget! Masks should not be criminalized. #NoNYMaskBan

New Yorkers, keep calling your NY State Senator and Assemblymember and urge them to speak out against any anti-mask legislation in the state budget!

#NoNYMaskBan

New Yorkers are still being hospitalized with COVID & still dying from COVID.

People are still getting #LongCOVID.

Masks also help protect against other contagious diseases, wildfire smoke, pollution, allergens, & other health concerns

NY Budget should not include anti-mask policy #NoNYMaskBan

Anti-mask crackdowns will harm vulnerable New Yorkers. Call your state senator ASAP. Tell them to speak up in conference and firmly oppose any budget legislation that penalizes masking.

bsky.app/profile/jews...

Both Trump and @governor.ny.gov are pushing anti-mask policies. Far-right media is celebrating Hochul’s plan because it will increase punishments for “obstructing traffic.” How can Democrats expect voters to trust them to oppose Trump when they’re signing on to his playbook?

New York Doctors - No Mask Ban March 26th, 2025 The Honorable Kathy Hochul Governor of New York State NYS State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Mayor Eric Adams City Hall New York, NY 10007 Assemblywoman Amy Paulin Legislative...

New York Doctors Coalition, New York State Academy of Family Physicians, New York State American Academy of Pediatrics, & over 300 physicians & other healthcare & public health workers voiced their opposition to NY's proposed mask bans earlier this year. #NoNYMaskBan
www.nydocs.org/our-work/no-...

New Yorkers, have you left a voicemail yet for your NY State Senator, Assemblymember, Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader, and Assembly Speaker tonight urging them NOT to support any anti-mask policies in the state budget?

Leave them a voicemail and then call again tomorrow!

#NoNYMaskBan

New Yorkers, keep calling your NY State Senator and Assemblymember! They're trying to wear us down, but we've already gotten them to shift their mask ban policy. Our pushback is working! Keep going!

#NoNYMaskBan

New Yorkers, keep calling your NY State Senator and Assemblymember! They're trying to wear us down, but we've already gotten them to shift their mask ban policy. Our pushback is working! Keep going!

#NoNYMaskBan

Tell your NY legislators to "speak up in conference and vocally oppose any legislation that penalizes masking in the budget or beyond, including sentencing enhancements." #NoNYMaskBan

bsky.app/profile/jews...

Immune compromised should have same rights as any American to protest and wear a damn mask.

New York Doctors - No Mask Ban March 26th, 2025 The Honorable Kathy Hochul Governor of New York State NYS State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Mayor Eric Adams City Hall New York, NY 10007 Assemblywoman Amy Paulin Legislative...

New York Doctors Coalition, New York State Academy of Family Physicians, New York State American Academy of Pediatrics, & over 300 physicians & other healthcare & public health workers voiced their opposition to NY's proposed mask bans earlier this year. #NoNYMaskBan
www.nydocs.org/our-work/no-...

COVID-19 is not over.

Everyone has a right to wear a mask.

NY should encourage masking and provide free N95 masks to everyone who needs them.

NY should NOT pass anti-mask policies in the state budget!

#NoNYMaskBan