Aug. 26, 2015

LEMOYNE – Act 8 of 2015 has gone into effect today, Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) and Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) said at a press conference held at the Lemoyne Rite Aid. This legislation will increase access to flu vaccinations by allowing pharmacists to offer the vaccines to children ages 9 and older, with parental permission. This legislation also allows licensed pharmacy interns, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, to administer the vaccine. It will also positively impact active duty members of the military, veterans and their dependents. Under TRICARE, the military’s health care plan, all immunizations administered by a pharmacist are covered without a co-payment.

Grove and Delozier were joined by House Professional Licensure Committee Chairwoman Rep. Julie Harhart (R-Lehigh/Northamption), Sen. Tom McGarrigle (R-Chester/Delaware), Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Dr. Loren Robinson, Mike Podgurski Rite Aid Vice President of Pharmacy Services, and representatives of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.

“Flu season is right around the corner. Now that my legislation has gone into effect after receiving the governor’s signature, I am hopeful that the increased convenience for parents will ensure that children are kept healthy across the Commonwealth,” said Grove. “This legislation will also make it easier for members of our armed services and veterans by ensuring that their children receive the flu vaccination free of charge.”

Delozier applauded the increased access to the vaccine for busy families.
“As I parent, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to fit in a doctor’s appointment between back-to-school activities and other family events,” Delozier said. “Expanding access for children to local pharmacies, which typically hold convenient hours, gives on-the-go families another safe option for keeping everyone healthy.”
Members of the pharmaceutical industry commended the legislators on the enactment of this legislation.

“We’d like to extend our thanks to Reps. Grove, Delozier, members of the General Assembly and the governor for their work on this legislation. As pharmacists and members of the health care industry, we know that there is more work to be done in making sure that children throughout the Commonwealth remain healthy during flu season,” said Rite Aid Vice President of Pharmacy Services Mike Podgurski,. “With this legislation, we can work to ensure their health by safely and conveniently offering flu vaccinations with parental permission.”

For more legislative news, go to RepGrove.com and RepDelozier.com.

Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Eric Reath
717.260.6187
RepGrove.com / Facebook.com/RepSethGrove

Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepDelozier.com / Facebook.com/RepDelozier
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