Wegmans School of Pharmacy, Senator Funke to Host Joint Press Conference

The Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College, along with New York State Senator Rich Funke, will discuss new legislation that will allow pharmacists in training to administer vaccines under the guidance of practicing pharmacists.

The press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, in the School of Pharmacy Atrium.

Under current New York State law, pharmacy students cannot administer immunizations until they have passed licensure exams, unlike their counterparts in schools of nursing and medicine. With the new amendments, pharmacy students serving as registered pharmacy interns who successfully complete certification will be able to offer immunizations to patients under the guidance of a pharmacist.

The bill has been passed by both the New York State Assembly and Senate, and is expected to be signed into law by the Governor.

Dr. Christine Birnie, dean of the Wegmans School of Pharmacy; Dr. Karl Williams, professor of pharmacy; Joelle Arieno, fourth-year pharmacy student; and Robert Single, RPh, representing the Pharmacy Society of Rochester, will be joined by Senator Rich Funke to formally discuss the legislation and its benefits to pharmacy students and the greater community.