Assembly authorizes pharmacists to administer a COVID‑19 vaccine once state certifies safety and rules

Assembly members approved Senate bill (Senate 8182A) to amend Education Law so licensed pharmacists may administer an approved COVID‑19 vaccine after the Commissioner of Education and the Commissioner of Health certify rules and regulations and at least 90 days of preparation.

Sponsor Miss Paulin (sponsor/sponsor yields on floor) told the chamber the measure is intended to expand access when a vaccine is available by enabling up to roughly 5,000 pharmacists statewide to participate, particularly where primary care access is limited. The bill requires the departments to collaborate and certify before pharmacists may administer the vaccine.

Opponents, including Mister Montesano and others, pressed safety concerns about authorizing non‑physician providers for a vaccine that has not yet been fully tested, noting unknown side effects and patient screening challenges. Supporters including Miss Glick, Mister McDonough and others pointed to safeguards in the bill (joint certification and no sooner than 90 days) and cited pharmacists’ existing training and record‑keeping.

The clerk recorded a fast roll call: Ayes 134, Noes 9, and the bill passed. The bill takes effect immediately per the statute's final section but requires administration rulemaking by state agencies before pharmacists may provide COVID‑19 shots.