New Jersey Department of Health · September 29, 2026 · Primary source
New Jersey Health Department Issues Executive Directives to Ensure Access to Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and Routine Childhood Vaccines
Summary
The New Jersey Department of Health issued Executive Directive No. 26-002 recommending COVID-19 vaccination for all persons 6 months and older for the 2026-2027 season, and a Standing Order authorizing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to individuals aged 3 and older. Executive Directive No. 26-003 adopts the 2026 AAP and AAFP immunization schedules for all ages, which under P.L. 2026, c.283 guides coverage requirements for state-regulated health insurers without cost-sharing. The directives are issued in explicit response to federal CDC actions removing vaccines from universal recommendation lists, which New Jersey has challenged in multi-state litigation.
What this may mean
State-regulated health insurers and health benefit plans in New Jersey are required to cover vaccines on the NJDOH-adopted schedules without cost-sharing, per P.L. 2026, c.283. Pharmacists, pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians are now authorized to order and administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines to eligible individuals aged 3 and older without a separate prescription. FQHCs and local health departments are identified as access points for uninsured adults seeking no- or low-cost vaccines under the 317-funded program.
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