Life Unites Us: Language & Stigma – Why Our Words Matter
January 26, 2020 at 3:00 pm
In this webinar, participants will:
If you are interested in attending this webinar, please register here. You can learn more about the webinar through this flyer.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – As part of the Wolf Administration’s effort to roll out the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Tom Wolf has approved a temporary waiver that allows pharmacists licensed by the Department of State to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines without a physician’s order when vaccines are available to the public. Adding pharmacists to the health-care professionals administering COVID-19 vaccines expands options for Pennsylvanians to be immunized once the vaccine is widely available from the federal government.
“Pharmacists, as well as pharmacy interns and technicians, are critical partners in the commonwealth’s plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said. “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.”
Pennsylvania pharmacists, who meet certain training and other requirements, can obtain authorization to administer injectable medications, biologicals, and immunizations. If a pharmacist has that authorization, he or she can administer any immunization, including COVID-19 immunizations, to persons 18 years of age or older.
Historically, some pharmacies have entered into arrangements with physicians in order to receive reimbursement for flu shots and other vaccinations. Many pharmacies, however, do not have an arrangement with a physician, and even those that do have not had time to incorporate the COVID-19 vaccination into that relationship. This waiver would allow pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccine without such a provider agreement.
“We are working on ways to increase access to the vaccine, and pharmacists already play an important role in making sure Pennsylvanians are protected,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvanians continue to play an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by masking up, washing up, and socially distancing.”
This waiver applies solely to COVID-19 vaccines for the duration of the Governor’s Disaster Emergency Declaration plus 90 days.
For more information about the Department of State’s COVID-19 response, visit the Department of State website.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Wanda Murren, 717-783-1621
Hello Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Stakeholders,
I hope you are well, safe, and healthy as we start the new year.
I would like to share updates on the commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccination process as well as provide tips on how you can prepare your organizations to receive the vaccine.
Vaccination Process
Last Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) released the fourth version of its COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan. The plan is both fluid and flexible to meet the latest federal guidance and recommendations. It will continue to receive updates. DOH released this version with a feedback form that invites public comment on the plan. This feedback will help inform Pennsylvania’s vaccination planning.
Pennsylvania continues to work its way through the initial phase of vaccine distribution – Phase 1A. This phase is focused on frontline, health-care personnel, emergency medical first responders, and long-term care facility residents. The time it will take to complete this phase is influenced by factors such as:
Many of DDAP’s stakeholders will be in the next phase of vaccinations, Phase 1B. While the above factors make it difficult to determine when or where that phase will start, there are several things you can do to prepare your organizations.
How to Prepare
Identify one nearby hospital or health-care system enrolled to provide the COVID-19 vaccine.
Prioritize Staff
Prepare Necessary Documentation for Staff
Stay Informed
DDAP’s Commitment
DDAP’s commitment to each of you is to be transparent throughout the vaccine planning process. We are working closely with the Department of Health to provide information to you as quickly as possible, but I ask for your continued patience as the logistics are developed and finalized. Thank you for your continued patience as more information becomes available and for your continued partnership in ensuring that all members of Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol system remain safe.
Questions can be forwarded to Derrick Pelletier.
Be well,
Jen Smith
DDAP Secretary
Posted on January 13, 2021
(Harrisburg) – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-34) announced the chairs for each of the 22 Senate Standing Committees for the 2021–2022 Session.
“I am proud to announce this session’s standing committee chairs,” Senator Corman said. “These members will continue to provide careful and considerate oversight as we delve into the issues before us in the 2021–2022 legislative session.”
Senate Standing Committee Chair Assignments (* denotes new committee chairs):
CONTACT: Jennifer Kocher 717-787-6725