O’SCANLON BILL ALLOWING PHARMACISTS TO GIVE VACCINES TO CHILDREN 14 AND OVER RELEASED
FROM COMMITTEE

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon which permits certified pharmacists to administer vaccinations to children 14 years and older was released by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee today. A pharmacist can dispense a vaccine once a prescription is issued by a physician.

Currently, pharmacists are only permitted to administer vaccines to patients who are 18 years of age and older. Children between 14 and 17 years of age will still need parental approval to receive vaccines from pharmacists.

“Pharmacists are another point of access for patients to receive vaccinations in a safe and professional environment,” said O’Scanlon. “They are certified professionals who can deliver inoculations and are another resource in the effort to prevent illness. The flu epidemic has heightened everyone’s awareness about taking appropriate steps to limit our exposure to infections of all kind, some of which can be lethal.

“This common sense legislation utilizes the expertise of a professionally trained pharmacist which should be maximized in the effort to stop the outbreak of disease,” continued O’Scanlon. “It is in everyone’s best interests to facilitate as many people being inoculated as possible. This bill makes it easier for folks to access these vaccines.”

New Jersey requires that a pharmacist receive specific education or certification before granting authorization to administer vaccines.

A-3251 is also sponsored by Assemblyman Ruben Ramos.

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