NJ health officials expand COVID-19 vaccine access for all residents 6 months and older
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health on Tuesday issued a directive allowing anyone six months of age and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-26 respiratory illness season, while also authorizing pharmacists to administer shots without a prescription.
Executive Directive No. 25-003, signed by Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown, removes federal-level barriers that recently narrowed eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines. The department also issued a Standing Order signed by Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services Dr. Novneet Sahu, authorizing pharmacy professionals to provide vaccinations to individuals three years and older. Children under three can receive shots from their health care providers.
“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.
Brown emphasized the importance of equitable access. “New Jersey is committed to defending the principles that safeguard our families and protect the health of our communities,” he said. “This is about equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine, which has been proven to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.”
Health officials said the directive is based on evidence-based recommendations from organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
“While COVID-19 has become part of our lives, we still have effective tools to minimize outbreaks and reduce the risk of serious complications,” 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The changes come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rescinded its Emergency Use Authorization and limited vaccines to people 65 and older or with certain medical conditions — a move announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that bypassed the normal review process and contradicted earlier Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
State officials said they are working to ensure residents are not burdened with out-of-pocket costs, urging health insurers to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines for all ages without cost sharing. The Murphy administration has also convened an Interagency Vaccine Workgroup to coordinate with state agencies and minimize disruptions in availability.
Vaccines are expected to be available at some sites now and statewide in the coming weeks, including primary care providers, chain pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and other health institutions.
More information is available at nj.gov/health/vaccines.
