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Published Tue, Jan 10, 2012 02:00 AM
Modified Tue, Jan 10, 2012 04:44 AM

Vaccine variances

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Tags: news | opinion - mailbag

Regarding the Dec. 29 article "Whooping cough cases confirmed at NC grade school":

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that pertussis whooping cough is on the rise; in California, 9,225 cases and 10 infant deaths have been reported, the highest incidence in 52 years.

Unfortunately, children are infected though siblings or adults. The CDC recommends a vaccine for adolescents and adults to prevent pertussis: Tdap. For seniors, Tdap is recommended, but barriers in N.C. law prevent access to the vaccine at pharmacies.

Most Medicare Part D drug plans cover Tdap; most N.C. doctors offices cannot bill Medicare Part D, but pharmacies can.

Despite pharmacists' qualification to administer vaccines, N.C. law limits them to administer vaccines for influenza and, by prescription only, shingles and pneumonia. I turn away seniors interested in Tdap vaccine because my hands are tied due to N.C. law.

Lawmakers can change this in 2012 by approving legislation (S 246) to enable qualified pharmacists to administer CDC-recommended vaccines. The bill includes coordination with physicians and with public health.

Ashley Branham

Pharmacist

Huntersville

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