Alabama Senate Bill SB307

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Pharmacists, authorized to prescribe vaccines and immunizations allowed to administer, required to recommend annual well-child visits for certain children administered a vaccine or immunization, Sec. 34-23-13 added.

Impact

The bill will directly influence the practice of pharmacy in Alabama, facilitating expanded responsibilities for pharmacists in the vaccination process. By allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain vaccines, the legislation is expected to lead to increased healthcare accessibility for individuals, specifically children under the age of nine, who will now also receive recommendations for annual well-child visits with a pediatrician when vaccinated. This integration between pharmacy services and pediatric care is anticipated to improve overall health outcomes.

Summary

SB307 is a legislative bill concerning the role of pharmacists in the administration and prescription of vaccines and immunizations in Alabama. The bill clarifies that licensed pharmacists are authorized to prescribe vaccines and immunizations that they are allowed to administer under state law. This expansion of authority aims to enhance public health by making access to vaccinations more convenient, particularly at pharmacies, thus encouraging higher vaccination rates among the population.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from several stakeholders including healthcare advocates who see it as a way to enhance immunization efforts, there may be contention surrounding the additional responsibilities assigned to pharmacists. Some critics may raise concerns regarding the potential for pharmacists to lack the necessary clinical training to assess children's health comprehensively. However, the primary goal of the bill remains focused on improving public health through streamlined vaccination processes.