Senator Fuschillo Sponsors Bill Allowing Pharmacists To Give Flu Shots And Pneumonia Vaccines

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. today announced that he is the sponsor of state legislation that would allow licensed pharmacists to administer flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines to adults in New York State.

Senator Fuschillo (R-Merrick) said, “This legislation would allow more people access to vaccines that could save lives.  Almost every other state has such a program, which has helped to boost adult immunization rates in those states by making vaccinations more convenient and less expensive  Also, in the event of an epidemic, New York State would be prepared to protect its citizens if this public safety measure were in place.”    

Under the legislation (S. 1312), pharmacists wishing to administer flu shots and vaccines would be required to complete training.  

Currently, forty-seven other states allow pharmacists to administer vaccines.  

     The New York City Health Department, citing a rise in flu cases, has recently announced its support for the legislation.  City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden said that more than 2,000 New Yorkers statewide die each year from influenza and pneumonia.