Pharmacists As Immunizers Coalition Letter

PHARMACISTS AS IMMUNIZERS COALITION
Click here to view the United States graphic of states allowed to immunize.

We write to express our support for A2140. This bill would give pharmacists the ability to administer flu and pneumonia immunizations to adults. In New York State and throughout the United States, more than 99% of vaccine-preventable deaths occur in adults. Influenza and pneumonia both have high mortality rates among the elderly, and are leading causes of death in New York City, accounting for nearly 3,000 deaths annually.

As a safe and cost-effective way to prevent illness and save lives, vaccinations must be as widely available as possible. Expanding access by enabling pharmacists to administer influenza and pneumococcal immunizations will accomplish that goal. Pharmacists are qualified, licensed health care professionals and allowing pharmacists to immunize is considered the standard of care in the United States, yet New York lags behind as one of only three states nationwide that do not allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations.

Passage of this legislation is critical to improving flu and pneumonia vaccination rates in New York State, which are currently among the very lowest in the country. Allowing pharmacists to immunize will address a range of public health issues including the health of seniors, racial and ethnic health disparities, access to care, workforce development, and respiratory health in New York State. Consider the following:

• In states that allow pharmacists to administer immunizations, the immunization rates are up to 27 percent greater than the rates in states that do not allow pharmacists to vaccinate
• Allowing pharmacists to immunize is particularly effective in increasing immunization rates among seniors. Vaccination rates among those over age 65 grew at three times the rate in states that passed legislation allowing pharmacists to provide vaccinations compared with states that did not.
• Pharmacies are widely distributed throughout traditionally underserved areas of New York State, and could reduce the considerable racial and ethnic disparities in immunization rates.
• Pharmacists offer a natural entry point for those at high-risk for influenza. People at highest risk - for example, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS - regularly see their pharmacist to refill their prescriptions, providing an opportunity for flu vaccination.
• Only those pharmacists who complete training requirements would be granted the expanded authority to administer these two vaccines to adults. Requirements include completion of the CDC-recognized coursework and CPR certification.

We urge all New York State legislators to cosponsor and prioritize this legislation in the 2007-2008 legislative session, and we encourage interested persons and organizations to contact the Sponsor, Assembly Member Amy Paulin with any questions at 518-455-5585.

We thank you for your attention to this important issue.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
New York City Department for the Aging
Erie County Board of Health
New York State Nurses Association
Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State
American Lung Association of New York City and New York State
New York Academy of Medicine
Pharmacists Society of the State of New York
New York State Association of Health System Pharmacists
Chain Pharmacy Association of New York State
American Pharmacists Association
Albany College of Pharmacy
SUNY Buffalo College of Pharmacy
Duane Reade
K Mart
Rite Aid
Walgreens