RECENT ACTION
![NACDS Logo NACDS Logo](https://b778972.smushcdn.com/778972/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nacds-300x150.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
NACDS members and a June 25 NACDS letter urged the Biden Administration to enforce the preemptive nature of the federal PREP Act, even as some states’ emergency orders end.
![hhs Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)](https://b778972.smushcdn.com/778972/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/hhs-300x150.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
On June 27, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) clarified officially that the PREP Act preempts state laws in authorizing pharmacy personnel to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and ACIP recommended childhood vaccinations.
![New York State Education Department Office of the Professions New York State Education Department Office of the Professions](https://b778972.smushcdn.com/778972/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nysed-op-300x150.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
On June 29, the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions acknowledged the preemptive nature of the federal PREP Act.
![U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://b778972.smushcdn.com/778972/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CDC-300x150.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
On July 2, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wrote to stakeholders in alignment with HHS’ June 27 clarification.
NEXT UP
![White House White House](https://b778972.smushcdn.com/778972/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/white-house-300x150.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
NACDS is urging the Biden Administration to act further through the PREP Act – including authorization for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and interns to provide all ACIP recommended vaccines to those 18 and over, as they are able to do for those 3-18. This would address a major gap in addressing ongoing COVID needs, flu season, and lapsed vaccinations.
![Capitol Hill Capitol Hill](https://b778972.smushcdn.com/778972/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/capitol-300x150.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
NACDS is working collaboratively with pharmacy allies to pursue legislative opportunities to act on the lessons of the pandemic. It is vital to prevent roll-back of preparedness, and to ensure pharmacies can help improve all Americans’ health and wellness during emergencies and every day – conveniently and equitably.
BACKGROUND
NACDS has presented a unified voice for the membership in advocating for federal and state policies necessary for pharmacies to meet patients’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Securing PREP Act declarations and clarifications has been critical to this work.
April 8, 2020, was a landmark day – with a PREP Act declaration that empowered pharmacist-provided COVID-19 testing. Subsequent declarations enhanced pharmacy team members’ ability to provide childhood vaccinations and ultimately COVID-19 vaccinations.