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What is Happening?
Effective 2/1/2024, the vaccination prescribing process changes from the process in place since Pharmacists began providing vaccinations in 2000 to a new process. Under the new process, the development and revision of vaccine protocols are transferred from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to the board’s Public Health and Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee (PHPFAC).
Why is it Happening?
To streamline and consolidate pharmacist prescribing rules, the board is in the process of moving all pharmacist prescribing services to the PHPFAC. Prior to this move, there was not an effective way for Pharmacists to provide feedback on the vaccine protocols. Under the PHPFAC, Pharmacists can submit feedback utilizing the Feedback Form on the PHPFAC webpage.
When will it Happen?
Beginning 2/1/2024, Pharmacists who prescribe vaccines must begin using the new vaccination protocols (v. 2/2024) found on the board’s PHPFAC webpage.
What has Changed?
- When prescribing vaccines, Pharmacists follow three key protocols:
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Standard Protocol for All Vaccines: Cover Page & Assessment and Treatment Care Pathway
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Standard Protocol for All Vaccines: Managing Adverse Reactions
- Individualized Vaccine Protocol - specific to each vaccine (e.g., cholera, hepatitis A/B, influenza)
- Shared clinical decision-making algorithms are now integrated into the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) protocols. Pharmacists may prescribe and administer these vaccines unless the algorithm within the protocol indicates otherwise, in which case a healthcare provider's prescription is required.
- There is no longer a multiple-signature page available.
What do I Need to Do?
Pharmacists need to:
- Review the updated protocols and be aware of significant changes from the OHA versions.
- Obtain updated protocol documents (v. 2/2024) and begin using on 2/1/2024.
- Discontinue using OHA vaccine protocol documents after end of business on 1/31/2024. Do not discard any records associated with vaccinations.
- Review the amended rules in OAR 855-020 as all of the rules in this division apply to the prescribing of vaccines 2/1/2024 – 2/29/2024. Effective 3/1/2024, rules related to prescribing via the PHPFAC protocols can be found in OAR 855-115-0330 to OAR 855-115-0345.
- Follow future board rulemaking as the vaccination protocols will be updated more regularly under the PHPFAC. You can sign up for rulemaking notices to receive notifications of proposed and adopted rules. You can also submit feedback on the vaccine protocols utilizing the Feedback Form on the PHPFAC webpage.
Questions?
Email all prescribing related inquiries to pharmacy.compliance@bop.oregon.gov.
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy serves to promote and protect public health,
safety and welfare by ensuring high standards in the practice of pharmacy and through effective regulation of the manufacture and distribution of drugs.
oregon.gov/pharmacy
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We respect, reflect and respond to the diverse people we serve.
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