The NASEM’s current framework categorizes pharmacists in the second tier, which is given less priority than physicians and other healthcare providers in the first tier. The groups’ letter says that delaying pharmacists’ access to a COVID-19 vaccine threatens their ability to participate in large-scale vaccination efforts and could put patient access in danger.
“Pharmacies and pharmacists in all practice settings are essential frontline health care providers and have been providing COVID-19 and related patient care since the coronavirus first appeared in the United States,” American Pharmacists Association CEO Scott Knoer, PharmD, said in a testimony submitted to NASEM’s vaccine access committee.
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