New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI, Issue 18 / September 23, 2025

PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER

NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

SECRETARY GINA DEBLASSIE

AUGUST 29, 2025

Ensuring Availability of COVID-19 Vaccine for the 2025-2026 Season

WHEREAS, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and authorization is based on a cumulative body of evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations;

WHEREAS, the 2025-2026 seasonal formulation, beginning in Fall 2025, is based on best available guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration;

WHEREAS, the currently available COVID-19 vaccines are safe and the most effective way of preventing infection, serious illness, and death;

WHEREAS, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations on 8/27/25 including:

* Pfizer's COMIRNATY for adults 65 years and older, as well as people ages 5 through 64 years who have at least one condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19;

* Moderna’s SPIKEVAX is approved for those 65 and older, as well as those 6 months- 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes;

* Moderna’s MNEXSPIKE is approved for those 65 and older and those 12-64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk of severe outcomes;

* Novavax's NUVOVAXID is approved for those 65 and older and those 12 and older at high risk for severe disease;

WHEREAS, widespread vaccinations protect New Mexico's health system as vaccines decrease the need for emergency services and hospitalization;

WHEREAS, The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy is amending the written vaccine protocol to consider additional recommendations from professional and authoritative bodies, including the New Mexico Department of Health;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gina DeBlassie, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health, in accordance with the authority vested in me pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 9-7-6(B)(5), do hereby declare that barriers to the administration of COVID-19 vaccine constitute a condition of public health importance as defined in NMSA 1978, Section 24-l-2(A) of the New Mexico Public Health Act,

I FURTHER DIRECT as follows:

a. The New Mexico Department of Health to collaborate with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy to amend regulations to remove barriers and ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across the state.

b. The New Mexico Department of Health to issue guidance to providers, pharmacists and the public regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine.

c. The New Mexico Department of Health to collaborate with other state agencies and offices to identify and remove barriers to COVID-19 vaccines.

d. This Order shall be broadly disseminated in English, Spanish, and other appropriate languages to the citizens of the State of New Mexico.

THIS ORDER supersedes any previous order, proclamation, or directives to the extent they are in conflict. This Public Order shall take effect immediately and remain in effect until such time as it automatically expires one year from the date of issuance, or until such time as the New Mexico Department of Health Cabinet Secretary rescinds it.

ATTEST: THIS 29™ DAY OF AUGUST 2025

/ S /

GINA DEBLASSIE

CABINET SECRETARY OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH