Governor Newsom Signs AB 1710 (Wood)

Sept. 25, 2020 01:45 UTC

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Governor Newsom has signed AB 1710 (Wood), a CPhA-sponsored bill, which grants pharmacists the authority to independently initiate and administer a COVID-19 vaccine, once one has been approved or authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“On behalf of the members of the California Pharmacists Association, I would like to extend our appreciation to Assemblymember Jim Wood for his commitment to expanding access to care to communities which do not have the luxury of medical facilities. Data shows that 9 of 10 residents live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy in rural communities, that number increases in urban areas.” Clifford Young, RPh, President, California Pharmacists Association

Numerous peer-reviewed and published studies here in the United States demonstrate pharmacist involvement in immunization, whether as educators, facilitators, or vaccine administrators, results in increased immunizations rates.

Pharmacists have been administering influenza and other routine vaccinations for several decades and previously played an important role in the deployment of the H1N1 vaccine during the 2009 pandemic. Today, pharmacists stand ready to serve this role again with the COVID-19 vaccine.

Once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved and available, achieving universal immunization will require a cohesive, multi-faceted vaccination strategy across the healthcare system. Pharmacists play a vital role in vaccination efforts and this bill will maximize that potential to ensure that every Californian will have equitable access to this important tool in our fight against the pandemic.

“This bill is forward thinking and ensures that there is no delay in making the COVID-19 vaccine immediately available through trusted, local pharmacies.” Richard H. Dang, Pharm.D., APh, BCACP, CPhA President-Elect

As we are in this “new normal” under COVID-19, the race for a vaccine is the most important factor in being able to “re-open California” and return to regular life. By authorizing community pharmacists to independently provide a COVID-19 vaccination, the Governor has significantly increased access points so we can all get back to work.

The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) was founded in 1869 and is the largest state association representing pharmacists. CPhA represents pharmacists, technicians and student pharmacists from all practice settings. These practice settings include community pharmacy (both independent owners and employees working in chain drug stores), hospitals & health-systems, and specialty practices such as compounding, managed care, and long-term care.

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Contacts

Sheila Johnston
Senior VP, Business Operations
sjohnston@cpha.com

Source: California Pharmacists Association

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