Your Guide to Vaccines in PA
This page provides Pennsylvania pharmacists, interns, and technicians with up-to-date information on vaccine authority, current vaccine recommendations, and related reporting requirements. Here you’ll find summaries of federal and state laws, guidance on protocols and consent, links to immunizations schedules, and practical resources to support your practice.
For additional questions, please contact PPA at [email protected]. Please note, the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association cannot answer clinical questions.
Latest Updates
NEW: COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations (2025-2026 Season)
Make sure your pharmacy is up to date on the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Click below to review the changes for the 2025–2026 season.
NEW: State Board of Pharmacy Expands Competent Authorities Definition
September 5, 2025 Notice Regarding Immunizations HERE
Commonwealth of PA – Central Vaccine Portal
Vaccine & Testing Authority*
PREP Act Authority (for ACIP approved indications)
(Expires December 31, 2029 unless repealed earlier by HHS)
| Pharmacists | Interns | Technicians | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines (ages 3 and older) | Order & Administer | Administer | Administer |
| COVID-19 Tests | Order & Administer | Administer | Administer |
| All ACIP Vaccines | Not addressed | Not addressed | Not addressed |
| Protocol Physician Required? | Not for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, which can be ordered by a pharmacist | Not for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, which can be ordered by a pharmacist | Not for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, which can be ordered by a pharmacist |
| COVID-19 Tests | Order & Administer | Administer | Administer |
| Influenza, RSV, and Streptococcal Tests | Not Addressed | Not Addressed | Not Addressed |
HB1993 Authority
(Effective November 14, 2024)
| Pharmacists | Interns | Technicians | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines (ages 3 and older) | ≥5 years old – COVID-19 and flu vaccines | ≥5 years old – COVID-19 and flu vaccines | ≥13 years old – COVID-19 and flu vaccines |
| COVID-19 Tests | Order & Administer | Administer | Administer |
| All ACIP Vaccines | Administer to ≥8 years old | Administer to ≥8 years old | Not permissible |
| Protocol Physician Required? | Yes, for all vaccines | Yes, for all vaccines | Yes, for all vaccines |
| COVID-19 Tests | Order & Administer | Administer | Administer |
| Influenza, RSV, and Streptococcal Tests | Order & Administer | Administer | Administer |
*PREP Act vs HB1993
Until the PREP Act expires, the PREP Act preempts any state law that prohibits pharmacists, interns and technicians from administering covered countermeasures including ACIP-approved indications for COVID-19 vaccines, influenza or COVID-19 tests. For example, in the case of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, qualified pharmacists, interns and technicians are allowed to vaccine those 3 years and older, even though it is not granted under HB1993.
Reporting & Consent Requirements
Act 77 of 2024 (HB1993) adds reporting and consent requirements for pharmacies. See below:
- Notification: Pharmacies must notify the patient’s primary care provider within 48 hours
- Registry Reporting: Pharmacies must report to the Pennsylvania Immunization Electronic Registry System (PIERS) within 72 hours
- Parental Consent: Parental consent must be obtained by the pharmacy prior to vaccination
- Parents/caregivers should be referred to a pediatrician or primary care provider after administering an influenza or COVID-19 vaccine.
Who Can Vaccinate?
- Pharmacists
- Student Pharmacists (under direct supervision of a pharmacist and have proper training)
- Pharmacy Technicians (under direct supervision of a pharmacist and have proper training)
- Delegation: CRNP, PA, RN, LPN may vaccinate under pharmacist delegation
Guidance & Protocols
- Vaccine Schedules:
- Information on CLIA Waived Lab Testing Authority
- Information on the POCT/CLIA Process
Relevant Regulations
- Act No. 77 of 2024 – Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act – Omnibus Amendments
- HHS PREP Act – 12th Amendment to Declaration Under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19
- Act No. 80 of 2022 – Pharmacy Act – Authority to Administer Injectable Medications, Biologicals, and Immunizations and Abrogating Inconsistent Regulations
Additional Resources
- Immunize.org
- Vaccinating Pharmacy Locator
- Current Vaccine Information Sheets (VIS)
- FDA Vaccine Package Inserts
- Vaccine Standing Orders Template
- Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting
