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Update for Pharmacists On August 24, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act), published a “Third Amendment to [HHS’] Declaration under the PREP Act for Medical Countermeasures against COVID-19,” which authorizes pharmacists and registered pharmacy interns to order and administer certain vaccines to children ages 3 to 18.
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the State Board of Pharmacy (Board) are presently preparing an order to authorize licensed pharmacists, and registered pharmacy interns and pharmacy externs under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, to administer vaccines to patients ages three and over, provided that they satisfy the educational and training requirements set forth in the Board’s regulations at N.J.A.C. 13:39-4.21. In addition, the Division and the Board anticipate requiring pharmacies and pharmacists to register with the New Jersey Department of Health's New Jersey Immunization Information System and comply with vaccine reporting requirements as required by N.J.S.A. 45:14-63 and N.J.A.C. 8:57-3.
Participating pharmacists, registered pharmacy interns and pharmacy externs will also need to comply with all other requirements set forth in the Board's regulations at N.J.A.C. 13:39-4.21, including those for recordkeeping and reporting of adverse events. Immunizers are also anticipated to be required to notify patients, parents and/or guardians that obtaining vaccinations are not a substitute for well care visits to their primary care practitioners, and that vaccine information will be shared with their primary care practitioners and the NJIIS as and where required.
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