Pharmacy orgs applaud HHS expanding pharmacists’ role in childhood vaccine access

APhA, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and the National Community Pharmacists Association welcomed new federal efforts to give pharmacists more responsibility on childhood vaccinations. Under HHS’s third amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, state-licensed pharmacists may order and administer vaccines to minors aged 3–18 years. “Today’s action means easier access to lifesaving vaccines for our children, as we seek to ensure immunization rates remain high during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “The Trump Administration has worked to allow pharmacists—alongside all of America’s heroic health care workers—to practice at the top of their license, empowering the public with more options to protect their health and well-being.” Scott Knoer, executive vice president and CEO of APhA, said his organization has long recognized the value of its members in this respect. He noted, “We have long advocated that pharmacists are uniquely positioned to address this public health emergency, and we worked with HHS to develop this strategy to engage all pharmacists. As Admiral Brett Giroir, the assistant secretary for health, said today, pharmacists have always been a trusted voice in the community, and they’re accessible. We couldn’t agree more!”