TRENTON - The New Jersey Department of Health Sept. 9 issued Executive Directive No. 25-003, allowing anyone 6 months of age and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season. The department also issued a Standing Order authorizing pharmacists in New Jersey to administer COVID-19 immunizations without a prescription. These actions remove barriers to ensure that all individuals who want them can receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
“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,” said Gov. Phil Murphy said in a release.
“New Jersey is committed to defending the principles that safeguard our families and protect the health of our communities. This is about equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine, which has been proven to prevent serious illness and hospitalization,” Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said. “Especially as we enter cold and flu season and as students head back-to-school, New Jerseyans are reminded to stay up to date on all recommended vaccinations.”
The actions come amid increases in COVID-19 cases across the nation and after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rescinded its Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccines and limited who can receive them.
Under the Executive Directive, all individuals 6 months of age and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The department also recommends that individuals discuss their risk factors for COVID-19 complications and the benefits of receiving the COVID-19 immunization with their health care provider to determine the best course for vaccination.
The directive is based on scientific, evidence-based recommendations from trusted medical professionals and organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota.
The standing order serves as a prescription for any individual ages 3 years or older to receive an authorized COVID-19 vaccination at a pharmacy without a prescription. Children under 3 years can receive the vaccine from their health care provider while individuals 3 years and older can also get vaccinated at pharmacies in New Jersey.
“While COVID-19 has become part of our lives, we still have effective tools to minimize outbreaks and reduce the risk of serious complications,” Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sahu said. “Vaccines remain our strongest defense, helping to limit the spread of the virus, protecting individuals and communities, and reducing broader social impacts such as missed school and work, and reducing pressure on our health care systems.”
The FDA recently narrowed approvals for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to only individuals 65 years and over or those with certain underlying medical conditions, though it did not define which conditions are considered high risk. High-risk conditions previously identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, and physical inactivity, among others.
The changes, which were announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. via social media, bypassed the normal scientific review process, creating confusion and uncertainty, especially because they conflicted with previous CDC recommendations, officials said.
The administration strongly encouraged insurance companies to continue to cover the costs of the COVID-19 vaccine for all ages 6 months and older without cost sharing.
“This is about empowering residents to make decisions about their own health,” added Brown said. “It’s also part of a statewide effort that includes coordinating with our sister agencies to protect access to vaccines for anyone who chooses to get one.”
The new vaccines are expected to be available in some locations in New Jersey now and statewide in the coming weeks. New Jerseyans can expect vaccines to be available from sites like primary care providers, chain pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other health care institutions.
More information about access to COVID-19 and other vaccines is available at: nj.gov/health/vaccines.
