Immunization

NYSCHP supports legislation that would expand the scope of Pharmacists’ immunization authority to include all vaccines recommended by the CDC. Pharmacists can serve a key role as one of the most accessible health care professionals by providing access to Hepatitis A and B, varicella, human papilloma virus and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines; currently, New York is one of the few states which does not allow this.

The authority for pharmacists to provide immunizations is set to sunset in July, 2022.

Fact Sheet Immunization January 2021
FAQ's/Answers for Immunization, CDTM
NYSCHP Immunization Sample Letter
NYSCHP Immunization EO Request

Click HERE to check out this one minute video made by Lilia Davenport and others from the NYSCHP Advocacy Chapter on immunizations!

On December 7th, 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law A2857-D (McDonald)/S1043-D (Funke), a bill authorizing pharmacy interns to administer immunizations, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. New York has joined 48 other states in authorizing this vital service to the public.

On June 17^th, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law A10508A (Paulin)/S-8182A (Hoylman), which authorizes pharmacists to administer vaccines against COVID-19. When the COVID vaccines were first authorized by FDA, the Governor issued an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer right away (waiving the 90 day waiting period in the law). This order also allowed non-immunization-certified individuals to administer under certain circumstances.

To see NYS Education Department/Department of Health joint proclamation on pharmacists administering the COVID vaccine, see authorization below:

• Certification Pursuant to Chapter 110 of the Laws of 2020 that Pharmacists Administering the COVID‑19 Vaccine is in the Best Interest of Public Health (nysed.gov)

For general guidance from the Board of Pharmacy on pharmacist giving immunization, see:

• http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pharm/pharmimmunizations.htm

For specific guidance from the Board of Pharmacy on COVID-19 vaccination authority in context of the executive order, see:

• http://www.op.nysed.gov/COVID-19FAQS.html#PHAR

For state-wide non-patient specific orders for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines released by NYS Department of Health, predominately designed for Retail settings:

• Pfizer Non-Patient Specific Order 
  
• Moderna Non-Patient Specific Order 

Contact our NYSCHP Advocacy team ([email protected]) for more information.