CONTACT: Lisa Capobianco, Vice President, Operations
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Connecticut Pharmacists Gear Up to Administer COVID 19 Vaccines As Hospital Health Systems Are Strained By COVID

In preparation for the first shipments of COVID 19 vaccine expected to arrive within the next few days, Connecticut’s health systems and hospitals are calling on immunization certified pharmacists to administer vaccinations, as nurses and physicians grapple with the wave of hospitalized COVID 19 patients, staff shortages, and treatment demands. Statewide, over 1,100 COVID patients are currently hospitalized.
To address this unprecedented challenge, qualified Connecticut pharmacists from every
practice setting and career stage, including advanced students and retirees, are gearing up to
serve on the front-lines of this immunization effort On Tuesday Governor Ned Lamont issued a
new executive order authorizing Connecticut pharmacists to administer FDA approved or
authorized COVID vaccine to patients over the age of 10 This order also allows pharmacists to
administer flu vaccine approved by FDA for patients over age 10 under a healthcare providers
order.
“As vaccines become available, pharmacists will play a key role in providing immunization
services, first in hospitals and care facilities, and then later to our communities,” said Nathan
Tinker, CEO of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association ( “Whereas many healthcare
providers do not receive much if any specific immunization instruction, pharmacists are required
to undergo extensive training to administer immunizations, both during their graduate schooling
and during their professional careers. Connecticut pharmacists who are certified immunizers
also are required to complete annual updated continuing education, so they are well equipped
to take on COVID 19 vaccinations.”
Elizabeth Cohen, President of the Connecticut Society of Health System Pharmacists said, “As the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists are in a unique position to provide a wealth of valuable public health services and immunizations remain at the cornerstone of these services.” “Having pharmacists at the forefront of the COVID 19 immunization e fort will ensure that those who need the vaccine the most will receive one “
Health system pharmacists are uniquely armed with the skills and tools to lead vaccine administration to healthcare personnel during the initial phase of COVID vaccine distribution in Connecticut said Kimberly Metcalf, Associate Vice President of Pharmacy and Ancillary Services of UConn Health. Pharmacists understand the intricacies involved with storing, tracking, distributing, preparing, administering, and documenting vaccine quickly and accurately. They also have a clinical knowledge of how the vaccine works and the importance of its utilization. The Profession is well poised to support this important public health initiative.”