ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order to ensure all residents can access the COVID-19 vaccine, countering new federal guidelines that limit availability to those with severe medical conditions and those 65 or older.

The state's health department stated its goal is to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone, expressing concern that the new federal guidelines do not achieve this. "The New Mexico Department of Health is working very hard to make sure that safe and effective, licensed and for use in the United States, vaccines are available," Dr. Chad Smelser, the Medical Epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health, said.

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This decision follows a release from the N

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