Child immunizations addressed by Pennsylvania legislation

Posted 8/21/12

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania state senator Tom McGarrigle has introduced legislation to increase access to child immunizations.

Senate Bill 305 would allow pharmacists the ability to …

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Child immunizations addressed by Pennsylvania legislation

Posted

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania state senator Tom McGarrigle has introduced legislation to increase access to child immunizations.

Senate Bill 305 would allow pharmacists the ability to administer the flu vaccine to children seven years of age and older with parental consent. The legislation would also permit pharmacy interns who have completed appropriate training to administer the flu vaccine under pharmacist supervision.

Current state law allows pharmacists and pharmacy interns to immunize only adults.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children at least six months old receive a flu shot every year, but only about 55% of Pennsylvania children do.

“Senate Bill 305 would give parents an additional safe and convenient option to keep their children healthy,” said McGarrigle.

In addition, under the U.S. military’s health plan, the bill would make it possible for the children of military personnel to receive free flu vaccinations.

In the previous legislative session, similar legislation was passed by the Senate by a vote of 50-0 but was not taken up by the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 305 was referred to the Senate Consumer Affairs and Professional Licensure Committee.

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