Expanded Vaccination Authority for Pharmacists
Effective April 25, 2024, Maryland law was amended (Chap. 232) to expand State vaccination authority for pharmacists. Specifically, Health Occ. Art., Sec. 12-508 now permits pharmacists to administer the following without a prescription:
- To an individual at least 3 years old, an influenza or COVID vaccine, or a vaccine authorized during a public health emergency.
- To an individual 7 years old or older, any vaccination recommended by the CDC's Advisory Council on Immunization Practices, or any FDA approved or authorized vaccine.
- To adults only, any vaccine recommended in the CDC's Health Information for International Travel.
Please note that pharmacists who vaccinate must still be registered with the Board and meet eligibility requirements, to include: a 20-hour ACPE practical training program; active CPR certification obtained through in-person instruction; and completion of 2 ACPE continuing education credits related to immunizations every renewal period after registration.
Existing recordkeeping and reporting requirements have not changed such as reporting to Immunet, vaccine-specific protocols, visit summary, patient referrals, patient consent and disclosures. Please reference Health Occ., Sec. 12-508 for the full text of the amended statute. The Board will be revising certain provisions in its vaccination regulations, COMAR 10.34.32, in order to align with the new legislation.
