Expanding Access to Children's Vaccines

Government health officials are taking steps to widen access to vaccines for children as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and kids return to school and daycare.

As part of that effort, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an order that allows pharmacists in all 50 states to administer vaccines to children between the ages of 3 and 18. Before, only 28 states allowed licensed pharmacists to administer children's vaccines.

"Today’s action means easier access to lifesaving vaccines for our children, as we seek to ensure immunization rates remain high during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar in a press release.

Under this new rule, licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns under supervision can order and administer children's vaccines. But they are subject to the following rules:

• The vaccine must be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• The vaccine must be ordered and administered according to official immunization schedules.
• The pharmacist and pharmacy intern must complete a practical training program that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
• The pharmacist and pharmacy intern must have a current certificate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• The pharmacist must complete at least two hours of ACPE-approved continuing education about immunizations during each licensing period.
• The pharmacist must comply with state requirements for record-keeping and reporting.
• The pharmacist must recommend a well-child visit with a health care provider and provide referrals when necessary.

In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that fewer children were getting routine vaccines — likely because many families were staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Missing vaccinations leaves children at risk for potentially deadly but preventable diseases.

The HHS effort to allow more pharmacists to administer vaccines is an effort to ensure that more children receive the recommended vaccines even while the pandemic continues, the agency said.

Ask your pharmacist about which vaccines your child needs.