(WASHINGTON, DC) Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, FAPhA, interim executive vice president and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) released the following statement regarding HHS Secretary Becerra signing a Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act declaration that grants pharmacists the authority to administer monkeypox vaccines.
“APhA appreciates the trust and confidence that HHS has in pharmacists by issuing a PREP Act declaration enabling pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians, as appropriate, to order and administer monkeypox vaccines and therapeutics across the country, under certain conditions. This will provide greater access to patients in need of these vaccines and treatments to address this public health outbreak.”
“This is a win for patients. Pharmacists are easily accessible and readily located, particularly in underserved communities. State laws vary widely in whether a pharmacist can order and administer monkeypox vaccines and therapeutics. This PREP Act declaration removes barriers for pharmacists to order and administer for patients in all states.”
“APhA directly advocated to the federal government on behalf of pharmacists and patients to provide this authority under the PREP Act. It is important for the government to provide a pathway for reimbursement for pharmacists to provide this needed care; however, we have yet to see what plans are in place to ensure a sustainable model for pharmacists and pharmacies to offer the monkeypox vaccine and treatments.”
“APhA stands ready to help our members and pharmacists across the country prepare by providing a free intradermal vaccine administration training, a dedicated page of resources, and an upcoming free continuing education webinar on October 12.”
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Contact: Ross Hemminger
202-429-7519
rhemminger@aphanet.org