A new law went into effect Wednesday that allows Florida pharmacies to give more types of vaccines to customers.
Pharmacies were previously allowed to administer vaccines only against viruses like the flu.
The new Florida law allows several other shots to be added to pharmacies’ offerings. They include vaccines against measles, mumps and tetanus.
The Florida Retail Federation lobbies on behalf of pharmacy chains like Walgreens. Federation Spokesman James Miller says the expanded offerings bring Florida in line with a Centers for Disease Control recommendation.
“It increases access to health care for Floridians which is huge. And it's particularly those in rural areas, people are able to get the vaccine they need to be safe to keep them healthy, which reduces the cost to taxpayers and once again just keeps our state healthier overall which I think is a great thing,” said Miller.
Miller says Jacksonville residents no longer have to wait to see their doctors to get shots. They now have more options.
The new law also allows pharmacy interns to give the shots.
