HHS expands pharmacist, pharmacy intern authority to administer flu vaccines

The Department of Health and Human Services yesterday amended its declaration providing liability protection under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act to expand the category of “qualified persons” who are protected under the Act. Under the amendment, licensed pharmacists and qualified pharmacy interns in good standing are authorized to administer seasonal flu vaccines in states where they are not licensed or certified, and licensed pharmacists may order flu vaccine in those states. The amendment takes effect once published in the Jan. 7 Federal Register.