(a)
In addition to the authority provided in paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 4052, a pharmacist may independently initiate and administer vaccines listed on the routine immunization schedules recommended by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), in compliance with individual ACIP vaccine recommendations, and published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for persons three years of age and older.
(b)
In order to initiate and administer an immunization described in subdivision (a), a pharmacist shall do all of the following:
(1)
Complete an
immunization training program endorsed by the CDC or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education that, at a minimum, includes hands-on injection technique, clinical evaluation of indications and contraindications of vaccines, and the recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines, and shall maintain that training.
(2)
Be certified in basic life support.
(3)
Comply with all state and federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including providing documentation to the patient’s primary care provider and entering information in the appropriate immunization registry designated by the immunization branch of the State Department of Public Health.
(c)
A pharmacist administering immunizations pursuant to
this section, or paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 4052, may also initiate and administer epinephrine or diphenhydramine by injection for the treatment of a severe allergic reaction.