New law means more innoculations at your neighborhood pharmacy

Published:

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- A state law takes effect on Wednsesday, allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines to adults in Florida.

The law says they can give shots to prevent Hepatitis, Measles, Chicken Pox, and other ailments.

“This is driven by the convenience factor. There’s a big shortage of doctors, but no shortage of pharmacies. So people can come in, without an appointment and without sitting in the waiting room, and get the vaccine they need,” said Rich Lawrence, a pharmacist who owns the Prescription Shops.

The measure is supposed to take a little pressure off doctors and their assistants. It’s estimated that Florida will run short of doctors by several thousand, in coming years.   But pharmacies are being built in many locations.

The law is designed for adults, those over the age of 18. Children still must go to a doctor for the regimen of childhood vaccinations.

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