PCAN Applauds State Legislators for Passing Immunization Expansion Bill Out of Committee

Harrisburg, PA – Pharmacy Choice and Access Now (PCAN) applauds the House Professional Licensure Committee today, for passing House Bill 776 out of committee. The bill, which would expand pharmacist provided immunizations to patients over the age of seven, has garnered broad support from members of the community including doctors, pharmacists, and families.
 
“We were truly proud when the Pennsylvania medical community, including doctors and pharmacists alike, came together to support this important bill – and are thrilled to now see the bill moving forward,” said Robert Frankil, President of the Pennsylvania Pharmacy Association.  “This is an incredibly important step for the health of our state and we hope to see the bill become law very soon.”
 
Pennsylvania last took a step to help ensure greater availability of critical vaccines in 2002 by amending the “Pharmacy Act” to allow pharmacists to deliver immunizations to individuals over the age of 18. Meanwhile, 39 other states have passed immunization expansion legislation allowing pharmacists with immunization credentials to provide such immunizations to individuals younger than 18 years of age.
 
By passing HB 776, the Commonwealth has an opportunity to put itself on par with these other states and build on previous efforts to prevent disease by expanding pharmacists’ ability to administer vaccines to children over the age of 7.
 
“More than 50,000 adults and 300 children die from vaccine-preventable diseases or from their complications each year in the U.S. alone – expanding vaccine-access is a critical step toward improving upon these statistics and keeping people healthy,” said Janet Hart, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Chain Drug Stores. “We applaud the Committee for standing on the side of improved health care outcomes and passing this important piece of legislation.”
 
The bill will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. PCAN encourages state legislators to continue to support this critical bill.
 
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Pharmacy Choice & Access NOW (PCAN) is a coalition of consumers, local business and pharmacists across the nation committed to preserving quality and affordable health care and pharmacy services for patients.  PCAN members are committed to providing the most cost effective solutions in the areas of health care and pharmacy services to enable states around the country to help solve their budget woes while maintaining quality care for children, families and other Medicaid-served populations.  You can Join the conversation on Facebook (Pharmacy Choice and Access Now) and Twitter (@RxPCAN)
 
For more information, please visit www.RxChoiceandAccess.com.   

Contact Information

Pat Epple

Secretary/Treasurer

The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association

pepple@papharmacists.com