BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Senate has backed a proposal that would lower the age requirement for pharmacists to vaccinate children.

Senate lawmakers voted 29-5 Tuesday on legislation that would allow children age six and older to get flu shots and vaccinations like tetanus shots from pharmacists with parental consent.

Previously, the age limit was 12. Sen. Fred Martin, a Republican from Boise, says the bill provides families with better access to health care throughout Idaho's many rural regions. Public health officials have long worried about low vaccination rates.

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