Ohio pharmacists approved to give MMR vaccinations

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has signed an emergency order allowing pharmacists to administer the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to people 18 years or older.

Kasich’s action comes in response to a significant increase in cases of measles and mumps throughout the state. The emergency order regarding pharmacists lasts 90 days. Currently, Ohio pharmacists can immunize patients for pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, influenza, and pertussis.

According to state health officials, as of earlier this month, there were 287 cases of measles reported in seven Ohio counties in the central past of the state. More than 400 cases of mumps have also been attributed to that same area of the state.

CVS spokesman Mike DeAngelis said its Ohio pharmacists would begin administering the vaccine as soon as supplies are received.

“Using the H1N1 (flu) outbreak in 2009 as an example, the availability of that H1N1 vaccine at retail pharmacies really illustrated the value of having accessible vaccination,” DeAngelis said. “Since then, more and more vaccinations have become available at pharmacies.”

According to spokesperson for the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy, it has filed a request with the state to make the MMR rule permanent.