Consideration whether to approve the following as competent authorities for purposes of establishing treatment guidelines to administer injectable immunizations pursuant to 49 Pa. Code 27.403(e): American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

During the meeting the board amended the proposal to include:

Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a competent authority for purposes of establishing treatment guidelines specifically for COVID-19 immunizations pursuant to 49 Pa. Code 27.403(e).

PPA member and Pharmacist Mitchel Rothholz provided testimony on behalf of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association urging the board approve the proposed competent authorities for all vaccines. More importantly, this is needed as an urgent timely public health matter to ensure that patients have vaccine access in all pharmacy locations in the Commonwealth.

In addition, comments were submitted by PPA members Chichi Ilonzo Momah, Springfield Pharmacy and Mayank Amin, Skippack Pharmacy detailing the impacts of not having the authority on their patients and communities. 

Following the meeting, PPA CEO Victoria Elliott commented, "The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association commends the State Board of Pharmacy on their decision to authorize additional competent authority treatment guidelines for injectable immunizations, removing potential barriers to vaccine access as we continue to navigate the uncertainty of vaccine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control."

Pharmacists are now once again positioned to serve Pennsylvania patients and families who count on the convenience of pharmacy-based vaccines. Thank you to the Shapiro Administration staff for your prompt response to our concerns and urging immediate action on this issue.”

Read SBOP Notice about Immunizations on line HERE.

Following the new Shapiro Administration, there is a new Deputy Health Secretary Wendy E. Braund, MD, MPH, MSEd, FACPM, who issued an updated new standing order for Naloxone signed on Jan. 17, 2023.

Pharmacies should be sure to update their protocols with Dr. Braund’s name. It is also a best practice to insist that anyone using buprenorphine or any pain medication should fill a Naloxone prescription to keep on-hand.