Kasich signs order allowing pharmacists to administer measles vaccine

Gov. John Kasich has signed an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to adults as part of efforts to prevent further outbreaks of the diseases in the state(Source: “Pharmacists can administer measles vaccine,” Youngstown Vindicator, June 11, 2014). 

The Ohio Department of Health has reported more than 400 confirmed or probable cases of mumps in 18 counties, and  about 250 cases of measles have been reported in six counties.

Pharmacists already have authority under state law to provide shots to adults for pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis, meningitis, diphtheria, influenza and pertussis. The state pharmacy board is pursuing a rule change to add the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to that list for anyone 18 years and older.

Kasich’s executive order signed Monday declares an emergency and implements the rule change immediately.