Gov. Tony Evers signs executive order on vaccine access

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday directing the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to ensure residents have access to vaccines.

A news release from Evers’ office details that the legislation, titled Executive Order #275, directs the DHS to monitor and review immunization recommendations, provide guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine, determine if additional measures are necessary to provide clarity and guidance on other routine vaccines, and direct the Chief Medical Officers to make a standing order that allows Wisconsinites to receive a vaccine from local pharmacies, if necessary.

The executive order was created to counter the federal government’s disregard of the decisions of medical professionals and public health experts, which has limited access to safe vaccines.

“Vaccines save lives, folks. Spreading fear, distrust, and disinformation about safe and effective vaccines isn’t just reckless, it’s dangerous,” said Evers in a statement. “RFK and the Trump Administration are inserting partisan politics into healthcare and the science-based decisions of medical professionals and are putting the health and lives of kids, families, and folks across our state at risk in the process. Here in Wisconsin, we will continue to follow the science to ensure Wisconsinites have access to the healthcare they need when and where they need it to make their own healthcare decisions that are right for them.”

Through the executive order, the DHS will work with the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board, and other state agencies and offices to continue to identify, review, and remove barriers to vaccine access. The OCI will work with health plans develop methods of limiting costs of vaccines in various healthcare settings, including pharmacies.

View Executive Order #275 here.