Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vaccination Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee votes to make pharmacist vaccine powers permanent
Summary
The committee moved bill 26‑414 to permanently allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines recommended by competent medical or public‑health organizations designated by DC Health. The bill codifies earlier emergency measures and passed the committee unanimously.
Chairwoman Henderson presented bill 26‑414, the Community Health Amendment Act of 2025, saying it would permanently allow pharmacists to order and administer vaccinations and pharmacy technicians to administer certain immunizations without a prescription.
"The bill will ensure that pharmacists can order and administer, and pharmacy techs can administer without a prescription immunizations needed to protect the public health of district residents, visitors, and workers," Henderson said, explaining the change would codify prior emergency action and align consent rules for minors.
Committee discussion noted national and industry guidance: Henderson cited that DC Health considered recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists when drafting the standards. The committee also referenced a DSB bulletin and an industry statement from AHIP committing to cover federally recommended vaccines at no cost sharing.
Henderson moved the draft report and print for bill 26‑414 en bloc with leave for staff to make technical conforming changes; the committee voted 'aye' and the motion passed.
The measure advances to further council consideration; the bill does not itself change insurance coverage requirements but the committee noted related guidance from AHIP and DSB.
