Home / Health / New Mexico Lifts COVID Vaccine Restrictions, Allowing Broad Access
New Mexico Lifts COVID Vaccine Restrictions, Allowing Broad Access
6 Sep
Summary
- New Mexico issues guidance for "broad access" to COVID-19 vaccines
- CVS can now offer vaccines without prescription at pharmacies statewide
- New guidance based on recommendations from medical organizations
On September 6th, 2025, the New Mexico Department of Health issued new guidance that significantly expands access to COVID-19 vaccines in the state. The updated policy recommends "broad access" to the vaccines, including for any New Mexico resident who wishes to be vaccinated.
This change has led to a major shift in the state's vaccination rollout. One of the nation's largest pharmacy chains, CVS, announced that it can now offer the COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription at its pharmacies throughout New Mexico. Previously, CVS had stated it could not administer the vaccines in the state, even with a prescription, due to the state's reliance on federal recommendations.
The new guidance is based on recommendations from a variety of medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. It aims to make the vaccines widely available to a range of groups, including those at high risk of severe illness, pregnant and lactating women, and healthy individuals seeking protection.
Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie emphasized the urgency of ensuring broad vaccine access as the fall and winter respiratory virus season approaches. With recent turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Mexico has taken matters into its own hands to remove barriers and enable residents to get vaccinated.
