NEW YORK (AP) – Pharmacists in all 50 states are now allowed to give vaccinations to children under a new guideline aimed at future outbreaks of knives and other preventable diseases.
Alex Azar, the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, took the step using emergency forces he had during the U.S. coronavirus epidemic, which was declared an emergency for public health. The directive, announced Wednesday, will temporarily preempt pre-emptive restrictions in 22 states starting this fall.
The move is designed to help prevent vaccination rates from falling during the pandemic, Azar said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that vaccination orders for children from doctors’ offices danced in late March and early April because their offices saw fewer patients than fewer patients, and worried that vaccination rates would fall.
But a survey of pediatricians in May suggested that most offices were open and able to provide recommended surgeries, and more than half were able to admit new patients as needed. Another CDC report from late last month Notice New York City saw a rebound in kids getting their shots. The agency’s 2020 national numbers are not expected for another year.
“Especially as we approach the school season, it is critical that children have easy access to vaccinations for children to enable them to return when schools reopen,” Azar said.
The Trump administration has called for schools and day care centers to reopen, as part of an effort to get parents back to work and help boost the economy.
Currently, 28 states allow pharmacists to give vaccinations to children, Azar said. In 22 states, laws restrict such vaccinations, including three states that prohibit pharmacists from giving immunizations to any child.
Due to the authorization, pharmacies with state licensed administration can administer to children born without the prescription of a doctor. Pharmacists must first complete a training program, although many already have, Azar said.
The measure does not allow pharmacists to donate shoes to children under 3. Some of the major vaccinations for children are given to infants and toddlers, but pharmacists do not have the training or medical support to administer doses to young children, he said. Dr. Brett Giroir, the HHS Assistant Secretary of Health.
Most vaccinations for children are given at doctor’s clinics and it is relatively uncommon for children to receive vaccinations at pharmacies. In 2018, only about 7% of child flu shots were born at pharmacies, according to data from CDC. And it is even rarer that other children’s shoes are given in drug stores.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement on Wednesday criticizing the directive.
“Children’s offices are open and safe. We have all the necessary vaccines for children and adolescents in stock with trained medical professionals who can manage them, “said the organization’s president, Dr. Sally Goza. our federal government should invest in the one we have: pediatricians. ”
The American Pharmacists Association is in talks with federal officials about expanding services that its members can provide during the pandemic, said Mitchel Rothholz, the organization’s chief executive and affiliate.
“I would not say we are initiating” the idea of getting federal authorization for children to be vaccinated, he said. “It was part of ongoing talks that went on with decision makers, both at the federal and state levels.”
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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