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New law gives Arkansas pharmacists ability to give immunizations to kids

The law prevents parents from having to take a trip to the pediatrician's office for immunizations.

A new law gives Arkansas pharmacists the ability to give vaccinations and immunizations to kids 7 and older.

The new law follows a general protocol for pharmacists to immunize ages down to 7 using a general standing order with a collaborative practice or physician.

Randy Kassissieh is the pharmacist and owner at Cornerstone Pharmacy in Rose City. He said this law prevents parents from having to take a trip to the pediatrician's office. Pharmacists could only give the flu vaccine to kids before this law went into effect Wednesday.

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"Things like meningitis, cancer-related diseases, tetanus...those types of vaccines," he said. "Which the law as of yesterday, allowed the same thing for any adults 19."

Kassissieh said parents do not need to contact their child's doctor in advance. He said a pharmacist should, however, refer patients back to their physicians to let them know their child got their immunization at the local pharmacy.

“It’s not required that any pharmacist report back to any pediatricians but it is general good practice," he said.

The goal is basically to be able to walk into your pharmacy and having the convenience of receiving your shots right away. 

"As long as the pharmacist and the pharmacy has the immunization in stock and is willing and able to bill the insurance," Kassissieh said.

But Kassissieh said not all pharmacists may be up to date to start giving shots. He said each pharmacy has to update its general protocol in partnership with a physician.

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"For instance, I have not updated my general protocol but that is something I will look into," he said. "But some pharmacies may have gone one step ahead and got their collaborative practice prior to today and they may be ready to go today."

This new law will also give people in rural areas easier access to care.

"If they don't have a really big hospital or local clinic near them, it'll probably be a little easier for them," Brent Love said.

Kassissieh said to check with your local pharmacy first to see if they are ready to start vaccinating. He also said parents need to give parental consent to kids 18 and under.

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