The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), the statewide association representing the retail food industry, praised the Pennsylvania Senate today for the passage of HB 182, which expands the care pharmacies can offer. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.
HB 182 amends the Pharmacy Act to allow pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccine to individuals under the age of 18 with parental consent. It also permits qualified pharmacy interns to administer the injectable medication after they meet certain training requirements.
“This bill allows Pennsylvania supermarket owners, who operate pharmacies in their stores, the ability to offer more services to their customers,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA director of government and public relations. “The bill provides consumers with better access to crucial, health sustaining immunizations and ultimately leads to healthier Pennsylvanians.”
Supermarket pharmacies provide a safe, easy and effective way for consumers to get immunizations, particularly their annual flu vaccine.
“Our thanks to Representative Seth Grove (R-York) for sponsoring this important legislation and to both the state house and senate for passing the bill,” Baloga said.
