- Department of Public Health
- Drug Control Program
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
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:
- 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; and
- Medical and nursing students enrolled in an approved or accredited program for licensure and acting in accordance with the policies of that program.
Any paramedic, EMT, medical or nursing student 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. Any paramedic or EMT administering a vaccine in accordance with this Order shall receive appropriate training in the administration of the vaccine. Any medical or nursing 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. Anyone administering a vaccine in accordance with this Order must 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.
This Order supersedes my previous Order as to allowing certain individuals to administer influenza vaccine dated November 2, 2020; that previous order is rescinded.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
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Monica Bharel, MD, MPH
Commissioner, Department of Public Health
December 18, 2020