Pharmacists in New York will soon be able to administer an expanded roster of immunizations under legislation approved by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday. 

Licensed pharmacists will be able to administer vaccines that include hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella to people over the age of 18.

Under current law, pharmacists can administer influenza shots to adults and children, as well as for COVID-19, pneumococcal, acute herpes zoster, meningococcal, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis disease. They may also administer medications required for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, to adults.

"Immunizations are the best tool at our disposal for protecting public health and we must implement every sensible measure to make vaccines widely available," Hochul said. "With this new law, we are expanding the locations where New Yorkers can go to get vaccines to protect their own health - and the health of their communities."      

Pharmacist organizations on Tuesday cheered the bill's approval. 

"This law reinforces the essential role that pharmacists have played keeping New Yorkers healthy and safe amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and underscores the urgent need for Governor Hochul to sign the entire bipartisan Pharmacy Rescue Package to ensure that independent pharmacies survive to continue providing patients with critical healthcare services," said Dr. Karl G. Williams, the president of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York. 

The measure takes effect in 90 days.