New Florida law expands immunization administration for pharmacists

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Under a new law that took effect on Wednesday, Floridians can now get more vaccines at their local pharmacy instead of going to a doctor’s office.



Under the law, pharmacists who have a valid Immunization Administration Certification have been given expanded authority to give additional vaccines like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough), varicella, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), meningococcal and pneumococcal. Vaccines for influenza and shingles were already available at all local pharmacies, according to local news reports.



The Florida Board of Pharmacy noted that, as of Wednesday, pharmacy interns who are registered with the Board of Pharmacy will also be able to give vaccines to adults if they:

•    Complete the 20 hours of Board-approved coursework and receive the Immunization Administration Certification from the Board of Pharmacy.

•    Are supervised in a one-to-one ratio by a pharmacist who has immunization certification.