Pharmacists in the US Now Authorized to Provide Pediatric Vaccinations
A children's doctor injects a vaccine against measles, rubella, mumps and chicken pox to an infant on February 26, 2015 in Berlin, Germany
The United States Department of Health and Human Services head, Alex Azar, took the step as he used emergency authorization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, pharmacists in all 50 states are now authorized to administer childhood vaccinations under a new order as announced yesterday.
The directive is aimed at averting outbreaks for measles, as well as other avoidable illnesses in the future. It has been designed to help prevent the drop in vaccination orders as the pandemic progresses.
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Vaccination Orders Plummet Amid the Pandemic
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said orders from the offices of doctors from childhood vaccines in late March until early April plummeted as most clinics closed and some had fewer patients. As a result, public concerns on the decline of vaccination orders were raised.
In May, a survey conducted by pediatricians resulted in the proposition that as most offices are now open, they could give recommended vaccine shots. More than 50 percent, the said study indicated, were able to take on new patients as needed.
Meanwhile, another report from the CDC from late July specified that New York City was able to see a recovery in children who got their shots. Across the nation, annual figures from the agency are not projected for another year.
According to Azar, as the school season is fast approaching, it is crucial that kids have easy access to pediatric vaccinations to allow them to go back to school safely, just in time for the reopening of schools.
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Pharmacists to Administer Vaccinations
President Donald Trump's administration has pushed for daycare centers and schools to get back to operations, as part of its initiative to let parents to go back to work and be able to contribute to the revival of the economy.
At present, according to Azar, 28 states are allowing pharmacists to administer vaccinations to children. In 22 other states, legislations restrict certain vaccinations. This includes three states that forbid pharmacists from administering immunization to any child.
The HHS authorization enables state-licensed pharmacies to administer pediatric vaccines in children even without a prescription from the doctor.
Pharmacists need to first complete a training program, although Azar noted that many already have. However, the new directive does not permit pharmacists to administer vaccinations to children below three years of age.
Childhood Vaccinations
According to HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Brett Giroir, among the essential pediatric vaccinations are those administered to babies and toddlers.
However, it should be noted that pharmacists do not have formal training or medical backing to administer doses to younger children.
Based on CDC data, most childhood vaccinations are administered at the doctor's office, and it is unusual for children to have their shots at pharmacies.
In 2018, just about seven percent of pediatric flu shots were given at drug stores. According to chief of governance od the American Pharmacists Association Mitchel Rothholz, the organization has been discussing with federal officials on expansion of services that its members can give amid this pandemic.
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Aug 20, 2020 02:04 AM EDT
