Arizona health officials announced statewide standing orders this week intended to preserve access to seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines before the 2026-27 respiratory season.
For West Valley residents, the orders mean a participating pharmacist or other authorized health professional can assess eligibility and administer a vaccine without requiring each patient to first obtain an individual prescription. The change applies statewide, including pharmacies and clinics in Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Avondale and Buckeye.
The orders do not require anyone to be vaccinated, and they do not require every pharmacy to offer the shots. Availability, appointments and insurance coverage can differ by location, so residents should confirm those details before visiting.
Who the orders cover
The COVID-19 standing order and the influenza standing order authorize licensed physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners and pharmacists to assess, screen, educate, order and administer the vaccines within their scopes of practice.
Both documents cover people 6 months and older, including pregnant patients. Arizona law allows pharmacists operating under the orders to immunize people age 3 and older. Younger children would need an authorized provider whose scope permits pediatric vaccination.
A parent or guardian must sign a consent form when an eligible minor is vaccinated. Providers must screen patients for contraindications and precautions, provide current vaccine information, document the dose and report required information to the Arizona State Immunization Information System.
The state orders contain age-specific schedules and product guidance. Because the appropriate product and timing can depend on age, prior vaccination and immune status, patients with questions should review the order with a pharmacist or clinician rather than relying on a general schedule.
Why Arizona acted now
ABC15 reported that the Arizona Department of Health Services and Arizona Board of Pharmacy put the orders in place while updated federal recommendations were still pending and the next federal advisory meeting was scheduled for late October.
A standing order functions as a broad clinical directive for patients who meet its criteria. It removes the need for a separate prescription for each person, but a provider still must complete the required screening and follow the protocols in the order.
The COVID-19 order says it may be revised or withdrawn if new evidence, reporting requirements or legal changes affect its use. It is scheduled to expire Sept. 3, 2027. The influenza order is scheduled to expire Aug. 5, 2027. Both were issued by Dr. Richard Carmona in his Arizona Department of Health Services capacity and reviewed by the Arizona Board of Pharmacy.
What patients should check first
Before making a trip, residents should ask the pharmacy or clinic whether it is participating under the state order, whether the requested vaccine is in stock, what ages the location serves, whether an appointment is required and how the dose will be covered.
Insurance plans may handle vaccine coverage differently, particularly while federal recommendations are changing. Patients can also use the ADHS immunization page to access the current standing orders and state vaccine resources.