Press Release

Indiana Pharmacists to Provide H1N1 Vaccine Administration to Children

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – December 17, 2009 – In response to public health needs, the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy passed an order allowing pharmacists to provide the H1N1 vaccine to children ages 2 and above for nasal spray version and ages 9 and above for the injectable vaccine with parent or legal guardian permission and presence.  President Obama declared a National Emergency regarding H1N1 Influenza Pandemic in late October.  And, according to state law, the Board of Pharmacy can suspend certain provisions of statute and rules during a declared "State of Emergency".  To ensure the safety of Indiana citizens, the Board of Pharmacy found it necessary to issue an order to implement an age waiver.

Lawrence J. Sage, Indiana Pharmacists Alliance (IPA) Executive Vice President says, "We applaud the Board for their action to protect the health of the citizens of Indiana.  Many pharmacists are well trained in the area of vaccine administration, and have provided vaccine administration for several years.  Today’s highly trained pharmacists are providing patients with another important health care service by administering vaccines to patients." 

In 2007, the Indiana Pharmacists Alliance (IPA) worked with legislators to pass a law that allows pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccine under a protocol to children ages 14 and over with parent or guardian permission.  Protocols are authorized by a physician and allow the pharmacy to provide the influenza vaccine to large groups of people without the need for individual prescriptions for each patient.  The Board of Pharmacy order, passed by the Board on December 14, 2009, allows physicians to write a protocol for the pharmacy to administer the Attenuated (injectable) H1N1 Vaccine to children nine (9) years of age and older with the consent, and in the presence, of a parent or legal guardian; and Live (nasal) H1N1 Vaccine to children two (2) years of age and older with the consent, and in the presence, of a parent or legal guardian.  Specific language of the Order can be found online at http://www.in.gov/pla/files/IN_H1N1_protocol_age_waiver.pdf

”In response to a state of emergency, the pharmacist's goal is to help protect the health and welfare of citizens in the state of Indiana," says Sage.  Many pharmacists are trained to administer vaccines, but not all pharmacies will have immunization services.  Patients should check with their local pharmacy to inquire about vaccines.

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The Indiana Pharmacists Alliance is a professional association serving Indiana's pharmacists since 1882 and pharmacy technicians since 1998.  IPA serves its members to improve the health of Indiana residents by enhancing the profession of pharmacy. IPA accomplishes its mission through advocacy, education, and leadership.