Order also lets nurses order measles tests previously restricted to physicians
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on Tuesday that adds four groups of providers to the list of professionals authorized to administer measles vaccines: paramedics, advanced emergency medical services personnel, midwives and pharmacists. The order also lets nurses order measles testing that, until now, only physicians could order.
Hochul declared a state disaster emergency the same day, citing a measles outbreak that has spread through under-immunized rural communities and has sickened more than 100 people in the state this year.
The state has confirmed seven cases in New York City and 101 elsewhere as of Saturday. The bulk of recent transmission has occurred outside the city, with 92 cases since July 15 concentrated among under-immunized rural communities spanning 18 counties.
In a statement, Hochul tied the measures to the outbreak’s spread, saying the order was intended to widen the vaccination and testing workforce and to support community partners working to address the disease.
“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” she said.
“That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease,” Hochul said.
Symptoms of measles include serious respiratory disease with rash and fever. Lowered immunity could mean the body won’t be able to fight off other infections such as pneumonia. The virus is spread by air and in less common cases by touching a contaminated surface then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.