Seniors looking to be vaccinated for pneumonia and shingles can now get those treatments from their local pharmacist. Lynn Hatter reports Governor Rick Scott has approved a plan that enables pharmacies to administer the vaccines with a prescription.
Under the new law, Florida joins 45 other states that already allow pharmacists to administer shots for shingles and/or pneumonia. Kevin Cate is the spokesman for Pharmacy Choice and Access Now.
“When you get out into rural counties or low-income areas, there’s not always a medical facility that has a doctor willing to vaccinate against pneumonia and shingles. You may have to drive 20-30 miles, and for some people, especially in a tough economy, that’s a barrier to quality healthcare.”
Under the Pharmacy Vaccine bill, patients would still have to get prescriptions from the doctor, but they can get the shot at their local pharmacy. Pharmacists can already offer flu vaccinations.
