The House Public Health Committee held hearings on two bills supported by NACDS members: HB 678 by Rep. Phil Cortez (D) that amends existing laws making permanent pharmacists’ authority to initiate, order, and administer childhood vaccines to anyone 3 and older without a prescription, and HB 2049 by Rep. Donna Howard (D) that would allow pharmacists to test and treat for flu and strep. NACDS members are encouraged to call the House Public Health Committee members to urge them to vote both bills out of the Committee so they can be set for a vote by the House of Representatives.
Photo Caption – (L-R) NACDS chain pharmacists Casey Nichols with Walgreens, Jeff Loesch with Kroger Health, and Aimee Lusson with Walgreens meet with immunization bill sponsor Rep. Phil Cortez in the Texas State Capitol after the House Public Health Committee hearing.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission is hosting two vaccine webinars:
- Actively Administering & Advanced VAOS Users – For COVID-19 vaccine coordinators and providers who have received allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine and are actively administering the vaccines. Discussions will focus on important news updates, clinical considerations, and advanced user tips on the systems and processes to support you.
- Basics & Beginners -For providers who are new to the COVID-19 vaccine management program and/or have not yet received allocations of the vaccine. Discussions will focus on important news updates, the enrollment process, how to access VAOS, and how to get started with requesting allocations.
- April 22, 12:00PM-1:30PM CT – Register here
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.