PREP Act Declaration Gives Pharmacists Authority to Administer Monkeypox Vaccines

The nation’s largest pharmacy organization, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), is celebrating after Xavier Becerra, secretary, US Department of Health and Human Services, signed a Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act declaration which gives pharmacists the authority to administer monkeypox vaccines.

“APhA appreciates the trust and confidence that HHS has in pharmacists by issuing a PREP Act declaration enabling pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians, as appropriate, to order and administer monkeypox vaccines and therapeutics across the country, under certain conditions,” said Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, interim executive vice president and CEO of APhA.

“This is a win for patients,” continued Dr Bernstein. “Pharmacists are easily accessible and readily located, particularly in underserved communities. State laws vary widely in whether a pharmacist can order and administer monkeypox vaccines and therapeutics. This PREP Act declaration removes barriers for pharmacists to order and administer for patients in all states.”

Dr Bernstein reiterated the need for the government to provide a pathway for reimbursement for this service for pharmacists. Dr Bernstein also noted APhA is helping pharmacists by providing free intradermal vaccine administration training and continuing education.