Federal Government: Pharmacists Can Now Vaccinate Children

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

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Federal Government: Pharmacists Can Now Vaccinate Children

Aug 20, 2020, 09:29 AM by MSDC Staff

HHS now permits pharmacists to vaccinate school-age children, a move drawing immediate condemnation from a major medical association.

Yesterday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar used his emergency powers under the public health emergency to permit pharmacists to vaccinate children prior to school.

The emergency order preempts state law on the issue, overriding states where pharmacists are prohibited from providing vaccines. State-licensed pharmacists may now deliver childhood vaccinations after a training program and without a doctor's prescription. The order only applies for vaccines on the federal schedule for children over the age of 3. Azar's justification for the order is statistics from late March and April showing declining vaccination rates.

The American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the order as unnecessary:

“This move is incredibly misguided. In the middle of a pandemic, what families are looking for is reassurance and clinical guidance from the doctors they trust most to care for their children: pediatricians,” said AAP President Sally Goza, MD, FAAP. “Pediatricians’ offices are open and safe. We have all necessary childhood and adolescent vaccines in stock with trained medical professionals who can administer them. We know that the best, safest place for children to get vaccinated is in their medical home.”

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.