New York legislation: pharmacists can administer vaccinations

ALBANY, N.Y. Starting Dec. 4, pharmacists can apply to New York’s state government for certification to administer vaccinations, under legislation signed Friday by Gov. David Paterson.

The certifications will cost $100 every three years and require training. The shots will still require prescriptions.

The purpose of the bill, supporters said, was to increase the number of vaccinations in the state; in New York City, this could mean an additional 50,000 elderly.

“Allowing pharmacists to immunize would increase access to vaccinations, as pharmacies are open long hours, on weekends and most holidays,” said Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Long Island Republican who sponsored the bill.