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News  Order of the Commissioner of Public Health Allowing Certain Individuals to Administer Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines

3/11/2021
  • Department of Public Health
  • Drug Control Program
  • Board of Registration of Physician Assistants
  • Board of Respiratory Care

The purpose of this Order is to make possible the prompt administration of influenza vaccine and any COVID-19 vaccines with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in order to reduce morbidity and mortality from seasonal influenza and the COVID-19 pandemic.

ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH ALLOWING CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO ADMINISTER INFLUENZA and COVID-19 VACCINES

The purpose of this Order is to make possible the prompt administration of influenza vaccine and any COVID-19 vaccines with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in order to reduce morbidity and mortality from seasonal influenza and the COVID-19 pandemic.

I hereby determine that there will be insufficient health care professionals available for timely vaccine administration. Therefore, pursuant to my authority, as set out in G.L. c. 94C, § 7(g) and 105 CMR 700.003(H), I authorize the following individuals to possess and administer influenza vaccine and those COVID-19 vaccines with EUA as set out in this Order and accompanying guidance, and in compliance with any EUA:

1. The following health care professionals:

• Dental Hygienists; and

• Respiratory Therapists

2. Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), meaning both Advanced EMTs and EMT-Basics, who are duly certified by the Department of Public Health (the Department), and working in conjunction with ambulance services licensed by the Department or with the Massachusetts Military Division; and

3. Students enrolled in an approved or accredited program for licensure in the following health care professions, and acting in accordance with the policies of that program (Designated Students):

• Physicians;
• Nurses;
• Physician Assistants;
• Pharmacists;
• Dentists;
• Dental Hygienists.

Anyone administering a vaccine in accordance with this Order shall
 administer the vaccine in accordance with the order or prescription of a duly registered practitioner authorized to issue an order or prescription for a vaccine pursuant to G.L. c. 94C;
 receive proper training and supervision in the administration of the vaccine; and
 comply with written protocols to ensure proper storage, handling, and return of the vaccine, record keeping regarding administration, response to adverse events, and safe and appropriate administration of the vaccine, as set out in guidance issued by the Department, pursuant to this Order.

Any paramedic or EMT administering a vaccine in accordance with this Order shall receive appropriate training in the administration of the vaccine. Any Designated Student administering a vaccine in accordance with this Order shall have been appropriately trained in the administration of the vaccine and be directly supervised by a licensed and qualified health care professional.

This Order supersedes my previous Order as to allowing certain individuals to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccine dated December 18, 2020; that previous Order is rescinded.

This Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded or modified.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Monica Bharel, MD, MPH Commissioner, Department of Public Health

March 10, 2021

Additional Resources   for Order of the Commissioner of Public Health Allowing Certain Individuals to Administer Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines

  • Department of Public Health 

    DPH promotes the health and well-being of all residents by ensuring access to high-quality public health and healthcare services, and by focusing on prevention, wellness, and health equity in all people.
  • Drug Control Program 

    We promote access to safe and effective pharmaceutical care services in Massachusetts. We work to protect consumers against fraud, deception, and unsafe practices in the distribution, handling, and use of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
  • Board of Respiratory Care 

    We evaluate the qualifications of applicants for respiratory care, and grant licenses to those who qualify. We also establish rules and regulations to ensure the integrity and competence of licensees.
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