As pharmacists, we are in a unique position to offer preventative care through vaccination. For patients wishing to be vaccinated, the inherent protection extends beyond oneself and across the community. Ohio is one of but a few states that empowers pharmacists and prescribers with the ability to meet patient needs based only on a prescriber-established protocol.

The Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code authorize a pharmacist, pharmacy intern working under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, and certified or registered pharmacy technician working under the direct supervision of a pharmacist to administer subject to a prescriber-established protocol, any immunization for any disease to individuals 5 years old or older without a prescription.

The Ohio Pharmacists Foundation has drafted immunization protocols in compliance with the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy and have also created draft immunization administration records for each of the immunizations. These protocols have been drafted for your convenience using vaccine recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Vaccine authority in Ohio is not tied to ACIP, and it is the responsibility of the pharmacist to collaborate with an authorized physician, certified nurse-midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse practitioner for your immunization program and final protocols.

For the latest information regarding immunization authority in Ohio, visit https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/.