The amendments to the PREP Act listed below ended with the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration at midnight Thursday, May 11, 2023.

The previous amendments are listed here for reference purposes only. Please refer to current state and federal guidance regarding current applicable regulations and practice authorizations/restrictions.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has issued guidance under the PREP Act allowing pharmacy technicians to administer COVID-19 vaccines under certain conditions.

Read the complete guidance statement here: www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/prep-act-guidance.pdf

Pharmacists and pharmacist-interns acting under the supervision of a pharmacist are allowed to order and administer immunizations to children 3-18 years of age as authorized by the third amendment to the PREP Act under the following conditions:

• The vaccine must have FDA approval or licensure;
• The vaccine must be ordered and administered according to ACIP immunization schedules;
• The licensed pharmacist must complete at least 20 hours of ACPE-approved practical training that includes hands-on injection technique, clinical evaluation of indications and contraindications, and recognition and treatment of adverse, emergency reactions to vaccines;
• The licensed or registered pharmacy intern must also complete an ACPE-approved practical training program;
• The administering pharmacist/intern must have a current certificate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
• The administering pharmacist/intern must complete a minimum of 2 hours of ACPE-approved, immunization related continuing pharmacy education during each state licensing period;
• The licensed pharmacist must comply with jurisdiction-based recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including informing the patient's primary-care provider, submitting immunization information to state/local IIS, complying with requirements for reporting adverse events, and complying to requirements for the provider to review the registry/records prior to administering a vaccine;
• The licensed pharmacist must inform pediatric patients and accompanying adult caregivers of the importance of a well-child visit with a pediatrician or other licensed primary care provider and refer patients when appropriate.

The amendment to the PREP Act authorizes state-licensed pharmacists (and pharmacy interns acting under their supervision to administer vaccines, if the pharmacy intern is licensed or registered by his or her state board of pharmacy) to order and administer vaccines to individuals ages three through 18 years, subject to several requirements including training, recordkeeping, and reporting. The vaccine must be approved or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must be ordered and administered according to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) immunization schedules. Learn more about CDC recommendations for childhood vaccines.

HHS is expanding access to childhood vaccines to avoid preventable diseases in children, additional strains on the healthcare system, and any further increase in avoidable adverse health consequences—particularly if such complications coincide with an additional resurgence of COVID-19.

Please refer to the third amendment of the PREP Act for more information and guidance: www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/third-amendment-declaration.pdf

You can also find more general information about the Vaccines for Children program on Texas DSHS's website here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/tvfc/info-for-providers.aspx