Expanded Scope of Practice

On May 20, 2026, the State Board of Pharmacy voted unanimously to expand the vaccination authority of licensed pharmacists. Under the new regulation, pharmacists who have completed an accredited immunization training program can now administer additional vaccines beyond influenza and COVID-19.

Newly Authorized Vaccines

• Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis vaccines can now be administered at your local pharmacy before international travel.
• Routine Pediatric Vaccines: Children aged 6 and older can receive recommended vaccines including Tdap, HPV, and meningococcal vaccines directly from a trained pharmacist.
• Shingles Vaccine (Recombinant): Adults aged 50 and older can now receive the two-dose shingles vaccine without a separate doctor's appointment.
• RSV Vaccine: The recently approved respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for adults aged 60 and older is now available through pharmacy-based immunization.

Requirements for Pharmacies

Pharmacies wishing to provide these expanded services must ensure that their pharmacists hold a valid Immunization Certificate from an ACPE-accredited program. Additionally, the pharmacy must maintain emergency response protocols, including access to epinephrine and basic life support equipment, and report all administered vaccines to the state immunization registry within 72 hours.

What This Means for Our Patients

We are excited to offer a wider range of vaccination services, making it easier for you and your family to stay protected. No appointment is necessary for most vaccines. Simply visit our pharmacy during business hours, and one of our certified pharmacists will be happy to assist you.

This information is provided as a summary of the new regulation. For the full text, please refer to the State Board of Pharmacy's official website.