HHS authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines when available

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Assistant Secretary for Health, issued guidance this week under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to expand access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are made available.

This guidance authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer, and state-licensed or registered pharmacy interns acting under the supervision of the qualified pharmacist to administer, COVID-19 vaccinations to persons ages 3 or older, subject to certain requirements.

"This action builds upon our Administration's progress toward delivering a safe, effective, and widely available vaccine by 2021," said Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Brett P. Giroir, M.D. "Allowing pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines will greatly expand convenient access for the American people."

The authorization preempts any state and local laws that prohibit or effectively prohibits those who satisfy these requirements from ordering or administering COVID-19 vaccines as set forth above. The authorization does not preempt state and local laws that permit additional individuals to administer COVID-19 vaccines to additional persons.

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