Pharmacies in Pennsylvania will be permitted to administer the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the general public.
Governor Tom Wolf temporarily lifted a restriction to allowing pharmacists to do so without a doctor's order.
“Pharmacists, as well as pharmacy interns and technicians, are critical partners in the commonwealth’s plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said. “Many Pennsylvanians will go to their local pharmacy for vaccination. This waiver will enable pharmacies to offer the COVID-19 vaccines without a physician’s order.”
Pharmacists must still meet state requirements to administer injectable medications, but state officials are hopeful the move expands options for residents to receive the vaccine.
“We are working on ways to increase access to the vaccine, and pharmacists already play an important role in making sure Pennsylvanians are protected,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvanians continue to play an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by masking up, washing up and socially distancing.”
Related
Recently, the health department updated the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan to be more inline with recommendations from the CDC and ACIP.