Governor Perdue Commends the Passage of 'Access to Flu Vaccines Act'

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the final passage of House Bill 217, the “Access to Flu Vaccines Act”, by the General Assembly. The bill was introduced by Representative Jimmy Pruett, one of the Governor’s floor leaders in the House.  The legislation improves Georgians’ ability to receive a flu shot.

“The flu affects thousands of people each year and our citizens should be able to access flu vaccines to protect themselves and their families,” said Governor Perdue. “With this legislation it will be easier for Georgians, especially vulnerable populations like children and the elderly, to receive their yearly flu shot.”

The “Access to Flu Vaccines Act” will allow physicians to enter into protocol agreements with pharmacists and registered nurses to allow the ordering and dispensing of flu shots without a physician’s individual prescription. To ensure quality control, physicians may issue no more than 10 standing orders with pharmacists and nurses within the same county or adjacent county to the physician’s primary place of business. Corporations with more than one location are also included in this agreement. This includes grocery stores and drug stores.

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