PHARMACIST immunisers across all 50 states of the US are now authorised to administer vaccinations to children aged three years and older.
Under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) qualified pharmacy technicians and state-authorised pharmacy interns have been given the green light to provide immunisations to "address a decrease in childhood vaccination rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic", the US Department of Health and Human Services said.
Announcing the moves to expand pharmacy-based immunisation services, which will see qualified pharmacy staff administer vaccines approved and licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including COVID-19 vaccinations when they become available, Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Brett Giroir, said "pharmacists and their staff are critical to the COVID-19 response".
"Together with paediatricians and family physicians, they are ensuring that Americans receive the vaccinations they need where they need it," he said.
Under the legislation the vaccines must be ordered by the supervising qualified pharmacist.
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