Connecticut House Bill HB05396

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

An Act Allowing Pharmacists To Administer The Influenza Vaccine To Children Twelve Years Of Age And Older.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5396 would significantly change the current regulations governing pharmacies and their healthcare providers. By allowing pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines, the bill seeks to streamline the vaccination process, making it more convenient for families. This could potentially lead to an increase in vaccinations among children, contributing to better public health outcomes. The bill aligns with broader public health goals by attempting to reduce barriers to access and ensure that more minors receive timely vaccinations, especially during peak flu season.

Summary

House Bill 5396 aims to amend existing state statutes to permit licensed pharmacists to administer influenza vaccinations to children aged twelve and older. The legislation intends to broaden the accessibility of the influenza vaccine for minors, thereby enhancing public health efforts to mitigate the impact of influenza within the community. The rationale behind this initiative is to reduce the costs associated with obtaining vaccinations while also expanding the settings in which these vaccines can be administered, potentially increasing the overall vaccination rates among this age group.

Contention

While HB 5396 has supporters who believe that empowering pharmacists to administer vaccines will enhance community health, there are potential points of contention regarding the scope of practice for pharmacists. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the adequacy of training that pharmacists possess for administering vaccines to minors, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all vaccinations are given in a safe and professional manner. Additionally, discussions might revolve around how this expansion of practice could affect pediatricians and other healthcare providers who traditionally administer such vaccinations.