COVID Vaccine Available to All in New Mexico

In August, we learned that it might become complicated to get a COVID vaccine for the upcoming fall/winter season: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration narrowed approval to adults aged 65 and older and for those between ages 5 and 64 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe COVID. Other Americans would be required to consult with their healthcare providers before receiving the vaccine.

However, as part of ongoing efforts to make vaccination more accessible across the state, the New Mexico Department of Health issued a standing order that allows healthcare providers and pharmacists to vaccinate anyone six months and older without requiring individual prescriptions. Those without insurance can receive a vaccine at no cost through state public health offices or federally qualified health centers. Give us a call, or use the NMDOH's vaccine registration tool to find more sites and schedule an appointment.

“We are clearing the way for New Mexicans who want the vaccine to get the vaccine,” said NMDOH Secretary Gina DeBlassie. “This standing order ensures that barriers don’t prevent people from protecting their health.”

This is great news for New Mexicans, who can get vaccinated as before at pharmacies, medical facilities and other convenient locations. For most people, the vaccine is available at no cost through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance; the New Mexico Health Care Authority has confirmed that Medicaid will cover the full cost for its enrollees.

Whether you live in New Mexico or outside the state, we strongly recommend you get vaccinated. The latest dominant COVID-19 strain, Omicron subvariant XFG (also known as Stratus), is more transmissible than previous variants and is responsible for a late-summer wave of cases.