Feb. 11, 2015
HARRISBURG – Legislation which would allow pharmacists to offer flu vaccines to children over the age of 7, with parental permission, passed the House Professional Licensure Committee today, Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) said.
House Bill 182, if eventually signed into law, would also allow licensed pharmacy interns to administer the vaccine to children over the age of 7, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
“Even though the Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children at least six months old receive a flu shot, only around half the children in Pennsylvania are immunized,” Grove said. “This would provide another safe and convenient way for parents to keep their children healthy.”
The legislation would also help 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. This would make it possible for the children of military personnel to receive free flu vaccinations.
“Currently, military personnel are required to pay out of pocket for flu immunizations at a doctor’s office,” Grove added. “I am proud that this bill would assist those who have given so much for our nation.”
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. For more legislative news, go to
www.RepGrove.com.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nick Ruffner
717.260.6258
RepGrove.com /
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