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Pennsylvania pharmacists rally on the Capitol steps in support of legislation to give them the permanent ability to provide vaccines

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HARRISBURG – Wearing their white coats, Pennsylvania pharmacists and student pharmacists from across the commonwealth held a rally on the Capitol steps today in support of legislation (HB1535/ SB 511) to give them the permanent ability to provide vaccines to Pennsylvanians. Located within 5 miles of 90% of Americans, pharmacies provided more than two of every three COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to the federal government. Pharmacists and students were joined at the rally by the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Chain Drug Stores, independent pharmacy owners and state lawmakers.

If legislation is approved, Pennsylvania would join other states, including Virginia, Florida, Georgia and Illinois, in giving pharmacists the continued authority to provide vaccinations that otherwise will go away when the public health emergency ends. Federal statistics show that more than 46% of COVID-19 vaccine doses for children ages 5 to 11 were given at a pharmacy. Half of pharmacy COVID-19 vaccination sites are located in areas with high social vulnerability, and 70% of pharmacy testing sites are in areas with moderate to severe social vulnerability.

“The past two years have shown us that we must do everything we can to ensure Pennsylvanians have safe and convenient access to preventative health care services, like vaccinations, close to home,” said Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association CEO Victoria Elliott, RPh, MBA, CAE. “Providing better access to vaccinations in rural and urban areas boosts our readiness for future public health crises. Passing this legislation will do just that and help residents benefit from convenient access for routine vaccinations."

Morning Consult recently released a survey, commissioned by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, which found that 68% of Americans support giving pharmacies the permanent ability to provide vaccinations.

“This legislation will improve the health of Pennsylvanians by providing them with essential access to vaccines,” said Weis Markets Vice President of Pharmacy Rick Seipp, who also serves as President of the Pennsylvania Association of Chain Drug Stores. “People clearly took advantage of pharmacies being given authority to provide life-saving vaccines. We need to make sure this is ready to go, without delay, in the face of any new variants or viruses.”


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