New York emergency order widens measles testing and vaccination roles
Governor Kathy Hochul’s order allows registered nurses to order tests for suspected measles and pharmacists to vaccinate children aged two and older. It runs until 4 November.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on Monday as measles cases rose in under-immunised rural communities. The executive order says the state recorded 108 cases through 3 October, including 92 since 15 July across 18 counties.
The order expands the health professionals who can respond to suspected cases: registered nurses may order measles tests, while pharmacists may administer MMR vaccines to children aged two and older.
All MMR vaccinations must be reported to state or New York City immunisation registries within 72 hours. The order waives adults’ consent for reporting, but vaccination still requires the patient’s or a legal guardian’s consent.
The order also cites 977 measles cases and five deaths in neighbouring Pennsylvania as of 2 October, mostly in rural counties bordering New York. Both states’ figures are attributed to the New York executive order.
The emergency took effect Monday and runs through 4 November.
