New Mexico is poised for a significant shift in its COVID-19 vaccination policy following recent federal action, with state officials preparing to expand vaccine access to children and adapt to new, more individualized guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The developments come amid a broader national move toward shared clinical decision-making and a renewed emphasis on informed consent for COVID-19 vaccination, signaling a new phase in the pandemic response.
On Monday, October 6, 2025, Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill signed off on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) latest recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, according to a CDC news release cited by Source NM. This federal approval removed a key barrier that had prevented New Mexico health officials from purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for children. Now, the state’s Department of Health expects to have a supply of pediatric vaccines available within two weeks from October 7, 2025.
“Since the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends anyone 6 months or older can get a COVID vaccine with shared clinical decision making, it means anyone can get a COVID vaccination without a prescription and yes, it is covered by insurance,” Robert Nott, Communications Director for the New Mexico Department of Health, told Source NM. He also clarified that the 'adult formulation' for Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines is approved for those aged 12 and over, allowing pharmacies and providers to vaccinate adolescents and adults with existing supplies.
The CDC’s updated guidance, released on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, emphasizes “vaccination based on shared clinical decision-making,” a notable departure from the agency’s previous blanket recommendation for perpetual boosters. Acting Director O’Neill explained the rationale behind this shift, saying, “Informed consent is back. CDC’s 2022 blanket recommendation for perpetual COVID-19 boosters deterred health care providers from talking about the risks and benefits of vaccination for the individual patient or parent.”
The new approach encourages individuals to consult with a wide range of healthcare providers—including pharmacists, not just primary care doctors—about the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Jen Kates, senior vice president at the health policy organization KFF, elaborated in interviews with several outlets: “There should be an interaction between the individual and a provider when a COVID-19 vaccination is being considered. That could be your pharmacist, it doesn’t have to be your primary care doctor. You don’t have to get a doctor’s visit in most states.”
For many, this change could mean an extra step in the vaccination process, but it also allows for more personalized discussions. “You should be able to go to your pharmacist and have the pharmacist talk with you and then decide through that shared discussion,” Kates said. The CDC’s release also stressed “individual-based decision-making,” highlighting the importance of tailoring vaccine decisions to each person’s risk profile and preferences.
Insurance coverage remains a crucial concern for many patients. Federal law requires that any vaccine recommendation adopted by ACIP and the CDC must be covered by insurance, including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, as Kates pointed out. “Most large insurance companies have stated they would continue to cover COVID-19 vaccines at least for the foreseeable future,” she said. This assurance is echoed by vaccine providers. Shannon Dillon, a spokesperson for CVS, confirmed, “If a patient requests the vaccine, they will be administered it,” and added that most insurance plans are expected to cover vaccinations for eligible patients without requiring a prescription.
Other states are also adapting to the new federal guidelines. For example, in Maryland, the Department of Health has issued a statewide COVID-19 vaccination standing order, authorizing qualified healthcare professionals to follow the most current, evidence-based guidelines. Sean O’Donnell, with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, explained, “In Maryland, that also means that a prescription is not required to get the COVID-19 vaccination.” This approach is mirrored in New Mexico, where the Department of Health has confirmed that a standing public health order from September 2025 remains in effect to improve COVID-19 vaccine access.
The CDC’s updated recommendations are less clear-cut than previous ones, especially for individuals under age 65. The agency’s news release noted, “ACIP’s recommendation emphasized that the risk-benefit of vaccination in individuals under age 65 is most favorable for those who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for individuals who are not at an increased risk.” This nuanced stance underscores the importance of discussing individual circumstances with a healthcare provider, whether that’s a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
In New Mexico, the state legislature has been working to align its policies with the evolving federal landscape. During a special legislative session last week, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 3, which was designed in part to address the state’s ability to purchase children’s COVID-19 vaccines amid federal uncertainty. The bill also includes a provision allowing the health department to rely on other professional organizations besides ACIP for vaccine policy guidance. However, the bill remains unsigned by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has until October 22, 2025, to act. According to a spokesperson for the governor’s office, action on the bill is expected later this week.
Senate Bill 3’s passage has not been without controversy. State Republicans blocked an emergency clause that would have allowed the legislation to take effect immediately, citing concerns over the scope of authority it grants the health department. As a result, the bill remains the only piece of legislation from the special session awaiting the governor’s signature. In the meantime, the standing public health order from September continues to ensure vaccine access for New Mexicans of all ages.
The shift toward shared clinical decision-making is being watched closely by healthcare providers, insurers, and patients alike. The practical implications—such as how pharmacists interpret the guidelines and how insurance companies process claims—will become clearer in the coming weeks as the new policies are implemented.
For now, New Mexico residents can expect expanded access to COVID-19 vaccines for children, more opportunities for personalized discussions about vaccination, and continued insurance coverage for those who choose to get vaccinated. The state’s public health apparatus remains on alert, poised to adapt as federal and state policies evolve.
As New Mexico navigates these changes, the broader national trend is clear: COVID-19 vaccination is entering a new era, one defined by flexibility, informed choice, and a renewed focus on individual needs and circumstances. Whether this approach will boost vaccination rates or create new challenges remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—patients and providers alike are being given a bigger role in deciding what’s best for each individual’s health.
