DEVELOPING: States Rush to Counter Federal Vaccine Policies Amid Growing Health Concerns

BREAKING NEWS States Rush to Counter Federal Vaccine Policies Amid Growing Health Concerns Multiple states are taking matters into their own hands, crafting their own vaccine policies as concerns about federal guidelines grow. New York has declared a "statewide disaster emergency" to preserve access to COVID vaccines. Massachusetts is making insurers pay for state-recommended vaccines, not just those from the CDC. New Mexico is ensuring pharmacists can continue to administer vaccines. These moves come amid growing health concerns and limited availability of COVID shots at pharmacies due to federal policy changes. States are forming regional health coalitions to coordinate vaccine recommendations. The West Coast Health Alliance includes Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii. Northeast states are considering a similar partnership. This is a developing story as more states weigh in on their own vaccine policies. Stay tuned for updates. UPDATE As of 6:00 AM ET on September 6, these developments have been confirmed: New York's "statewide disaster emergency" declaration aims to maintain access to COVID vaccines. Massachusetts' new insurance policy covers state-recommended vaccines. New Mexico is protecting pharmacists' ability to administer vaccines. This story will continue to evolve as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*