ALBANY, NY – Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) President Greg Dewey expressed his appreciation to Governor Hochul for signing legislation S.4807-A/A.6476 which expands the immunizations that licensed pharmacists can administer to patients 18 years or older.
Under the new law, pharmacists will now be able to administer additional CDC-recommended vaccines including those to prevent hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. This new law also makes permanent the ability for licensed pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I want to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the value of pharmacists and their critical role in promoting public health in the community. Pharmacists fill gaps in both rural and urban areas and have been an important partner in educating patients about the need for and importance of getting vaccinated. The value of pharmacists providing vaccinations has been reinforced by their current essential role of providing the COVID-19 vaccine to combat this pandemic,” said ACPHS President Greg Dewey.
There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from pharmacists, the medical community, public health officials, insurers and consumers since pharmacists were first authorized to immunize adults against flu and pneumococcal disease in 2008. Expanding immunization access for adults promotes public health and helps increase herd immunity for vaccine preventable diseases.
ABOUT ACPHS:
Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) is a private, independent institution with a long tradition of academic and research excellence. The College’s mission is to educate the next generation of leaders to improve the health of our society. ACPHS was named the #1 value-added college in the country by the Wall Street Journal and the Brookings Institution. For more information, go to www.acphs.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Shannon Hutton
Director of Public Relations
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
(518) 694-7194