New Bill Would Lower Age for Pharmacists Vaccinations

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's pharmacists would be allowed to vaccinate children at a lower age under new legislation headed to the Senate floor.

The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee backed a bill Wednesday that says children age six and older can get flu shots and vaccinations like tetanus shots from pharmacists with parental consent. Previously, the age limit was 12. Pam Eaton with the Idaho Retailers Association says the bill is needed to improve health care access for children, particularly in rural areas.

Eaton added that Idaho is one of the lowest ranked states in vaccination rates. Sens. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, and Maryanne Jordan, D-Boise, cast the only dissenting votes.Nuxoll argued that she had too many questions over whether vaccination consent forms gave enough information on possible health risks caused by immunizations.