Kevin Dehmer Commissioner Department of Education | New Jersey Department of Education
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued Executive Directive No. 25-003, making COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone aged six months and older for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season. In addition, a Standing Order now permits pharmacists in the state to administer COVID-19 immunizations without a prescription. These measures are intended to increase vaccine access across New Jersey.
“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 Governor Phil Murphy.
“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,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “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.”
These steps come as reported COVID-19 cases rise nationally, especially in western and southern states. The actions also follow recent changes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which rescinded its Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 vaccines and limited eligibility for receiving them.
The new directive allows all individuals six months or older in New Jersey to get vaccinated against COVID-19, removing previous restrictions caused by federal policy shifts. State officials recommend discussing personal risk factors with healthcare providers before vaccination.
According to NJDOH, these decisions align with recommendations from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, and University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project.
The Standing Order signed by Deputy Commissioner Novneet Sahu authorizes pharmacy professionals statewide—within their practice scope—to order and give FDA-approved vaccines without individual prescriptions for anyone three years or older. Children under three can receive vaccines through their healthcare provider; those three or older may visit pharmacies throughout 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,” said Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sahu. “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.”
Recently revised FDA guidance restricts vaccine approval primarily to people aged 65+ or those with certain medical conditions—without specifying what counts as high-risk conditions—departing from earlier CDC advice that included shared decision-making between patients and clinicians for most age groups.
Changes announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., via social media rather than standard scientific review processes, have led some observers to express concern about confusion regarding eligibility criteria compared with previous CDC recommendations.
State leaders urge insurance carriers in New Jersey to continue covering vaccine costs for all residents six months or older without out-of-pocket expenses but acknowledge they cannot guarantee universal coverage across all plans at this time.
“This is about empowering residents to make decisions about their own health,” added Acting Commissioner Brown. “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.”
To support uninterrupted vaccine availability amid changing national policies, an Interagency Vaccine Workgroup was established last month by NJDOH involving multiple state departments—including Education—to improve coordination efforts.
COVID-19 vaccines are expected at select locations now—with wider distribution anticipated soon—and will be offered at primary care offices, chain pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, among others. For information on finding local vaccination sites: https://www.vaccines.gov/. Additional details on accessing vaccines can be found at https://nj.gov/health/vaccines/.
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