MSSNY Opposes HHS Authorization to Allow Pharmacists to Administer Vaccines to Children
For Immediate Release
MSSNY Opposes HHS Authorization to Allow Pharmacists to Administer Vaccines to Children
Westbury, NY—August 20, 2020—The Medical Society of the State of New York today joined with the American Academy of Pediatrics in its opposition to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) emergency authorization to allow state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer all vaccines to children and adolescents ages 3-18 years.
“This is a completely unnecessary move on the part of the Health and Human Services and will cause further chaos in getting children properly immunized. New York State’s pediatric offices have been opened throughout the pandemic and remain open. They are safe places to receive the vaccination, and most importantly, parents and children already have an established relationship with the pediatrician. Here in New York State, children are entitled to vaccines through the well-child visits and the Vaccine for Children program—few pharmacies in the state participate in this program. Taking children out of the medical home where they are able to get immunized, get screened for developmental milestones, and get the medical care that they need, will only lead to a further fragmentation of a child’s health care,” said MSSNY President Bonnie Litvack, MD.
“We urge that the US Department of Health and Human Services immediately rescind this authorization. We also question the legality of a federal agency declaration pre-empting state statutes that clearly establish the scope of practices of various health care practitioners, which has long been the jurisdiction of state governments. This action has enormous implications to the long-term health care of children and to use the COVID-19 pandemic as justification to make policy change is not acceptable,” said Dr. Litvack.
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About MSSNY
Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.
Press Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications/Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x302
rraia@mssny.org