Pharmacist immunizing gets boost from Louisiana bill

The Louisiana State Senate recently passed a bill that would expand the authority given to pharmacists to administer immunizations. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) applauded this action, saying that the bill would help prevent 14 million cases of disease and 33,000 deaths annually.

“Pharmacies are the face of neighborhood healthcare, providing cost-effective, easily accessible, and convenient services such as immunizations,” said NACDS president and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.  “Pharmacists have the ability to immunize in all 50 states, reducing costs for both patients and the overall healthcare delivery system.”

The Louisiana bill would give pharmacists the authority to administer immunizations to state residents 18 years of age or older against pneumonia, shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis without a prescription.

“The pharmacists of Louisiana are to be commended for the final senate passage of SB 60, which will enable pharmacists to immunize more patients,” said State Senator Fred H. Mills, Jr., the bill’s author. “As one of the most trusted professions, pharmacists provide high-quality and accessible care to patients.”