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Arizona acts on flu and COVID vaccines ahead of flu season
KGUN 9 • • health
Key Points:
- The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Arizona Board of Pharmacy have issued standing orders allowing qualified pharmacists and healthcare providers to administer flu and COVID vaccines without waiting for updated federal guidance.
- This decision addresses timing concerns as the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is not scheduled to meet until late October, coinciding with the start of respiratory season.
- Recent state data shows rising COVID and flu cases in Pima County, with health officials noting an upward trend typical for winter but not yet alarming.
- ADHS emphasized that the standing orders are not vaccine mandates but aim to improve vaccine access and help reduce illness to ease winter healthcare system pressures.
- The state will review and adjust vaccine guidance if federal recommendations change, and vaccine availability and insurance coverage may vary by pharmacy.
