Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Sept 11: In an effort to increase vaccination rates, New York declared a polio emergency after wastewater samples from Nassau County on Long Island revealed the virus’s spread.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the executive order on Friday, extending the network of vaccine administrators to include pharmacists, midwives, and emergency medical personnel. The New York Department of Health announced in a statement that doctors and certified nurse practitioners will be permitted to issue standing orders for the polio vaccine that are not patient-specific.
“On polio, we simply cannot roll the dice. If you or your child are unvaccinated or not up to date with vaccinations, the risk of paralytic disease is real. I urge New Yorkers to not accept any risk at all,” Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said.
After having close contact with someone who may be infected with the virus, New Yorkers who have finished their polio vaccination series should get a lifetime booster, the department advised.
Health care professionals in Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Nassau County, and New York City who might handle specimens containing polioviruses or who treat patients who may have polio are also advised to get boosters, according to the agency. People who regularly come into contact with wastewater “may consider a booster.”
