Bill > S08495

This bill expands the authority of licensed pharmacists in New York to administer vaccines by allowing them to do so under broader circumstances beyond patient-specific orders. Specifically, pharmacists can now administer immunizations according to recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), through non-patient specific orders, or when authorized by the state health commissioner via a statewide protocol. These vaccines must be FDA-approved and either recommended by the New York State Immunization Advisory Council or identified by the Department of Health as necessary for addressing public health emergencies, disease outbreaks, or chronic disease prevention. The bill also grants the health commissioner explicit authority to issue statewide standing orders for pharmacists to administer vaccines, even if those vaccines are not on the standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedule. This legislative change aims to increase vaccine accessibility and provide public health officials with more flexibility in vaccine administration during critical health situations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8495