Arizona Department of Health Services issues standing order for COVID-19 and flu vaccines

The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a statewide standing order for 2026–27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to all Arizonans. The order came after national uncertainty, as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) isn’t scheduled to meet until late October. 

Arizona’s DHS tried to get ahead of the respiratory season to ensure residents could receive the vaccines. This standing order allows pharmacists and health care providers to administer vaccines without waiting for federal updates from the ACIP. 

Dr. Joel Terriquez, Medical Director for the Division of Public Health Preparedness at the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the standing order and how it works for Arizona residents.