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HB 6581

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF VACCINES TO CHILDREN BY PHARMACISTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Perillo

Expands access to pediatric vaccines by authorizing licensed pharmacists to vaccinate children under approved protocols, with guardian consent, safety safeguards, and reporting.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#children #immunization #pharmacists
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Bill Summary · HB 6581

HB 6581: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF VACCINES TO CHILDREN BY PHARMACISTS

Note: The text of the bill is not provided in the prompt. This summary is based on the bill’s title, status, and common elements found in similar legislation that authorizes pharmacists to vaccinate children. The actual provisions may differ.

Overview and Intent

  • Purpose: Expand access to pediatric immunizations by allowing licensed pharmacists to administer vaccines to children, with appropriate safeguards and oversight.
  • Rationale (inferred): Improve vaccination access and coverage for minors, reduce barriers to immunization, and support public health goals.

Key Provisions (Inferred Elements Common to Similar Bills)

  • Scope of vaccines
    • Likely authorizes administration of vaccines recommended for children by credible health authorities (e.g., CDC immunization schedules).
  • Eligible recipients and age
    • Typically covers children and adolescents up to a specified age (often up to 18 years) or within a defined pediatric age range.
  • Pharmacist qualifications and training
    • Pharmacists would need appropriate licensure and completion of approved vaccination training (including CPR/First Aid).
    • Possible continuing education requirements related to pediatric immunization.
  • Parental/guardian consent
    • Requirements for obtaining consent from a parent or legal guardian for minors.
    • May address assent for older minors and exceptions in certain circumstances.
  • Protocols and supervision
    • Administration under a physician-approved protocol or standing order, with oversight to ensure safety and appropriateness.
    • Clauses addressing supervision by a healthcare professional or collaboration with a prescriber.
  • Storage, handling, and safety
    • Standards for vaccine storage, cold-chain management, and proper handling.
    • Procedures for managing adverse events, post-vaccination observation periods, and emergency response.
  • Documentation and reporting
    • Mandatory documentation in the patient’s medical record and reporting to the state immunization information system (IIS) or equivalent registry.
    • Privacy protections for immunization data.
  • Billing and reimbursement
    • Provisions related to billing, insurance reimbursement, and potential cost considerations for patients and third-party payers (e.g., Medicaid/Medicare).
  • Public health and quality assurance
    • Measures to monitor vaccine safety, effectiveness, and program integrity.
    • Possible annual reporting or oversight requirements to the Public Health department or committee.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Minor patients receiving vaccines from participating pharmacists.
  • Parents and guardians seeking immunizations for their children.
  • Pharmacists and retail pharmacies expanding services to pediatric populations.
  • Pediatricians and other healthcare providers who coordinate care and maintain vaccination records.
  • Public health authorities responsible for immunization surveillance.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Ref. to Joint Committee on Public Health (introduced January 24, 2025).
  • Next steps: Committee review, potential public hearings, possible amendments, and eventual floor action or further committee referrals.
  • Implementation timeline: If enacted, the bill would specify effective dates and any transition periods for pharmacies to come into compliance with new requirements.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public health impact: Potential increase in vaccination rates and easier access for families.
  • Safety and oversight: Enhanced protocols aimed at ensuring safe administration to minors.
  • Equity considerations: Improved access for underserved or rural communities with limited pediatric vaccination access.
  • Privacy and data: Need for secure handling of immunization records and timely reporting to IIS.

If you have access to the bill’s text or any amendments, I can provide a more precise, provision-by-provision analysis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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