Woonsocket Radio News Room

Britto legislation would allow pharmacists to administer vaccines, regardless of age

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket) has introduced legislation that would allow pharmacists to administer vaccines to patients of all ages. The bill is part of a package of legislation introduced in the Senate focused on addressing health care accessibility and affordability.

Pharmacists already administer these vaccines to adults, and were temporarily permitted to administer vaccines to all age groups during the COVID pandemic. The bill (2025-S 0166) would clarify state law to enable pharmacists to administer vaccines to all eligible patients, regardless of age.

“This legislation continues the work we started in the Senate to empower pharmacists to put the vast resources of their knowledge to work for the people of Rhode Island,” said Senator Britto. “Pharmacists are an important part of every patient’s medical care team. As we struggle to find ways to combat the shortage of primary care physicians, we must focus more on these under-utilized health care professionals.”

The legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. The measure is one of nine that the Senate has introduced to remove burdensome administrative requirements that present barriers to patient care, protect patients from crushing medical debt, and otherwise improve access and lower costs.                                                          

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