August 19, 2020

HHS: For now, pharmacists can give all childhood vaccinations

The Department of Health and Human Services has given pharmacists in all 50 states — regardless of state laws or regulations — the right to provide all CDC-approved childhood vaccinations during the Covid-19 emergency.

Yes, that means that regardless of state law, during the emergency (not permanently!):

  • Pharmacists and interns (subject to limits) can give all vaccines on the CDC’s ACIP immunization schedules.

  • They can provide the vaccines to children three years and older.

  • No prescription is required.

  • No physician protocol agreement is required.

There are some caveats regarding training requirements, supervision of interns who give the shots, record-keeping, and more. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/08/19/hhs-expands-access-childhood-vaccines-during-covid-19-pandemic.html for those details.

HHS is expanding access to childhood vaccines to avoid preventable diseases in children, additional strains on the healthcare system, and any further increase in avoidable adverse health consequences — particularly if such complications coincide with an additional resurgence of COVID-19.