HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA) commends Governor Josh Shapiro for issuing Executive Order 2025-02, ensuring that all Pennsylvanians continue to have access to safe, effective immunizations guided by science and medical expertise.
As the most accessible healthcare providers, Pharmacists serve as a trusted resource in communities throughout the Commonwealth. PPA stands ready to support state and agency initiatives that advance evidence-based immunization guidance and expand patient access. Further, we welcome the opportunity to support Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen with pharmacist representation on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Vaccine Workgroup.
“Pharmacists are on the frontlines of patient care, ensuring Pennsylvanians can access the immunizations they need without barriers,” said Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association CEO Victoria Elliott, RPh, MA, CAE. “We applaud Governor Shapiro for issuing this Executive Order, which strengthens pharmacists’ ability to serve patients across community pharmacies, health systems and clinics by ensuring immunization decisions are guided by evidence, professional judgment and also supported through insurance coverage requirements.”
To fully realize the goals of this Executive Order, it is critical that Pharmacists be empowered to practice to the full scope of their training and expertise and be fairly reimbursed for the clinical services provided. Pharmacists are often the first and most frequent point of contact for patients seeking immunizations and other preventive care, yet insurance reimbursement regulations have not kept pace with their expanding roles. Ensuring payment parity for pharmacist services will strengthen access, improve health outcomes and reduce costs across the healthcare system, while allowing Pharmacists to continue serving patients in Pennsylvania communities.
Recent changes to the State Board of Pharmacy’s regulatory language strengthen patient access by allowing pharmacists to use all the identified evidence-based sources referenced in the Executive Order. Ultimately, it is the pharmacist’s professional judgment after consultation with the patient that determines whether an immunization is appropriate.
PPA recognizes that no two patients are alike. Having personal health conversations with a pharmacist or medical professional ensures patients can make the best decision for either themselves or their family. PPA continues to advise its members and all pharmacist immunizers to:
- Update immunization protocols in accordance with the State Board of Pharmacy’s authorizing rule.
- Document conversations with patients, including whether the patient meets CDC qualifying conditions or requests immunizations following consultation.
About The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association
Founded in 1878, the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association is a professional membership organization of more than 2,300 pharmacists and pharmacy students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, representing all facets of pharmacy practice. As the leading voice of pharmacy in Pennsylvania, it promotes the profession through advocacy, education and communication to enhance patient care and public health.
