Historic legislation goes to Gov. Wolf for signature
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania pharmacists today lauded the work of state legislators to forge a compromise that will provide Pennsylvanians with greater access to COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. Sponsored by state Rep. David Hickernell, House Bill 2679 now goes to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature.
Rep. Hickernell’s legislation will allow pharmacies to provide COVID-19 and flu vaccines to children as young as 5. The current law only allows for flu for those 9 and older.
“We want to thank Rep. Hickernell for his leadership on this critical issue to bring stakeholders and legislators together to create greater access to vaccinations for all Pennsylvanians, especially those in low-income communities,” said Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association CEO Victoria Elliott, RPh, MBA, CAE. “This legislation would not have been possible without the tireless work of state Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair) and state Reps. Seth Grove (R-York) and Frank Burns (D-Cambria). Thanks to all legislators who voted for this critical legislation to put Pennsylvania’s readiness for future public health crises at the forefront.”
Located within 5 miles of 90% of Americans, pharmacies provided more than two of every three COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to the federal government. A recent study published in the Journal of American Pharmacists Association (JAPhA) found there were 15% more pharmacies than physician offices in low-income communities. Pharmacies also were open significantly more hours (https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(22)00094-2/fulltext).
“Pharmacies remain ready and willing to continue to serve the needs of patients and their communities now and through any future pandemics,” Elliott said. “Passing this legislation helps residents benefit from convenient access for COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Our world has changed. We’re proud to work together with state lawmakers and physicians to make our commonwealth a healthier place for families.”
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About the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association
Founded in 1878, the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association is a professional membership organization of more than 2,300 pharmacists, pharmacy students and pharmacy technicians across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, representing nearly all facets of pharmacy practice. As the leading voice of pharmacy in Pennsylvania, the association promotes the profession through advocacy, education and communication to enhance patient care and public health.
