Former CDC Official and NACDS: States Should Continue "PREP Act" Pharmacy Access Proven Effective During COVID-19
ARLINGTON, Va., May 10, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Recently announced federal action provides states a "reasonable timeline" to prevent disruption of the pharmacy access relied upon and expected by patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, according to an article published today in Health Security, a Johns Hopkins University peer-reviewed journal. The commentary was prepared by Lisa Koonin, DrPH, MN, MPH, of Health Preparedness Partners – who previously served the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more than 30 years – and by NACDS co-authors.
- "The successes of pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic have affirmed their important role in emergency response, as well as in providing daily, equitable access to care.
- The authorities granted under the COVID-19 PREP Act declaration have been pivotal because they have allowed pharmacy staff to provide access to lifesaving pandemic countermeasures.
- Among them, as of April 27, 2023, Federal Retail Pharmacy Program pharmacies had provided more than 302.2 million COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Such action is necessary to help ensure seniors have access to pharmacy services, as authorized by states' policies, into the future.