News  Order of the Commissioner of Public Health Allowing Certain Individuals to Administer Influenza Vaccine

On November 2, 2020, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (“DPH” or “the Department”) issued an Order, pursuant to G.L. c. 94C, § 7(g) and 105 CMR 700.003(H), determining that there will be insufficient health care professionals available for timely vaccine administration, and authorizing the following individuals to possess and administer influenza vaccine as set out in the Order and this guidance:

1. Paramedics who are duly certified by the Department and working in conjunction with ambulance services licensed by the Department; and
2. Medical and nursing students enrolled in an approved or accredited program for licensure and acting in accordance with the policies of that program.

By the Order and this guidance, the Department, through the Drug Control Program (DCP), is making vaccines more accessible by authorizing qualified paramedics, medical students and nursing students to possess and administer influenza vaccine to persons ages 3 and older according to ACIP’s standard immunization schedule.

Paramedics, medical students and nursing students may administer influenza vaccine provided the following requirements are satisfied: 

• the vaccine is administered only 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;
• the authorized individual has received proper training and supervision in the administration of the vaccine, including certification in Basic Life Support;
• the authorized activity is limited to the physical acts of possessing and administering a vaccine and providing emergency medication to manage a vaccine reaction in accordance with a standing order;
• the authorized individual complies with written protocols to ensure proper storage, handling, and return of vaccine; record keeping regarding administration; response to adverse events; and safe and appropriate administration of the vaccine, as outlined in 105 CMR 700.003(A)(3); and
• the authorized individual comply with all other requirements of 105 CMR 700.000.

In addition to the above requirements, paramedics and medical or nursing students must also comply with the following specific requirements:

• A qualified paramedic must
  • be certified by the Department;
  • work in conjunction with an ambulance service licensed by the Department and registered with DCP;
  • comply with all requirements of 105 CMR 170.000; and
  • act in accordance with Special Protocol issued for this purpose by the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS); or
    • when a paramedic administers vaccine in connection with a mobile integrated health (MIH) or community EMS (CEMS) program, pursuant to 700.003(A)(4), the paramedic must do so in accordance with protocols issued by the MIH program or CEMS program.
• A qualified medical or nursing student must
  • be enrolled in an approved or accredited program for licensure;
  • act in accordance with the policies of that program; and
  • be authorized and directly supervised by a licensed and qualified health care professional, who shall confirm appropriate training.

Please direct questions related to paramedics to OEMS at: jon.burstein@mass.gov

All other questions may be directed to DCP at: dcp-dph@mass.gov