Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vaccine Distribution topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly authorizes pharmacists to administer a COVID‑19 vaccine once state certifies safety and rules
Summary
The Assembly approved a bill allowing licensed pharmacists to administer a future COVID‑19 vaccine after the State Education Department and Department of Health jointly certify rules and a minimum 90‑day period for regulation; supporters said pharmacists increase access, critics urged caution on safety. Ayes 134, Noes 9.
Assembly members approved Senate bill (Senate 8182A) to amend Education Law so licensed pharmacists may administer an approved COVID‑19 vaccine after the Commissioner of Education and the Commissioner of Health certify rules and regulations and at least 90 days of preparation.
Sponsor Miss Paulin (sponsor/sponsor yields on floor) told the chamber the measure is intended to expand access when a vaccine is available by enabling up to roughly 5,000 pharmacists statewide to participate, particularly where primary care access is limited. The bill requires the departments to collaborate and certify before pharmacists may administer the vaccine.
Opponents, including Mister Montesano and others, pressed safety concerns about authorizing non‑physician providers for a vaccine that has not yet been fully tested, noting unknown side effects and patient screening challenges. Supporters including Miss Glick, Mister McDonough and others pointed to safeguards in the bill (joint certification and no sooner than 90 days) and cited pharmacists’ existing training and record‑keeping.
The clerk recorded a fast roll call: Ayes 134, Noes 9, and the bill passed. The bill takes effect immediately per the statute's final section but requires administration rulemaking by state agencies before pharmacists may provide COVID‑19 shots.
