Looks like my google skills have failed me, and I can’t find an answer to a question my friend asked me. Help save my know-it-all cred with my friends!
Can a student pharmacist (e.g. an Intern) give flu vaccines in the state of Florida?
Unfortunately, I don’t know pharmacy law in Florida, and all my law resources are for my state of Georgia. It is legal in Georgia, but is it in Florida?
Help me save my reputation!
Mods, hopefully this will stay a “What’s the law?” type thread instead of a “legal advice” type. If not, please move to IMHO.
No. You have hold an active Florida pharmacist license in order to immunize. See the application for certification.
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/pharmacy/ap_immunization.pdf
No. The relevant section of the Florida code mentions only pharmacists.
I can tell you also from personal work experience in the state that only pharmacists may administer vaccines in pharmacy practice, that the only vaccine they may administer is influenza, and that the only patients the may administer it to must be 18 or older.
In addition, there must be a standing protocol in place with a practicing physician with specific rules in place, as the pharmacist is legally acting in accordance with that physician’s rules.