Gov. Wolf Signs Waiver Allowing Pharmacies To Give COVID Vaccine

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has signed a waiver that will allow pharmacies to order and administer the COVID-19 vaccine without a doctor's orders.

The waiver will let pharmacists licensed by the Department of State place the orders once the vaccine is widely available. It is part of an effort to speed delivery of the vaccine in the state, officials said.

"Pharmacists, as well as pharmacy interns and technicians, are critical partners in the commonwealth’s plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine," said Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. "Many Pennsylvanians will go to their local pharmacy for vaccination. This waiver will enable pharmacies to offer the COVID-19 vaccines without a physician’s order."

RELATED: COVID-19 Vaccine In Pennsylvania: When Will You Get It?

In Pennsylvania, pharmacists can be authorized to give medical injections, including immunizations. If a pharmacist has earned that authorization, he or she may give immunizations to anyone 18 or older.

In the past, some pharmacies have entered into agreements with doctors to get paid for giving flu shots and other vaccinations. But many don't have an arrangement like that and some that do, don't have an agreement that includes the COVID vaccine, according to state officials.

Wolf's waiver would let licensed pharmacists order and give the vaccine whether they have such an agreement or not.

"We are working on ways to increase access to the vaccine and pharmacists already play an important role in making sure Pennsylvanians are protected," said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. "Pennsylvanians continue to play an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by masking up, washing up and socially distancing."

The waiver applies only to COVID-19 vaccines and will last as long as the governor's coronavirus disaster emergency declaration remains in place, plus another 90 days.

Pennsylvania currently is in Phase 1A of its four-phase vaccination plan. Vaccines are being delivered to healthcare workers and residents and staff at nursing homes and other long-term health facilities.

During Phase 1B, which officials expect to begin next month, vaccines will be available to everyone 75 and older, first responders, food and agriculture workers, postal workers, nursery employees, grocery store employees, transit workers and others in "essential" roles. The most recent changes to the state plan dramatically increased the number of people included in this phase.

As of Thursday morning, 321,404 single doses of the two-dose vaccine had been given to people in Pennsylvania, while 52,125 people had gotten both shots, which are given about three weeks apart, according to the Department of Health.