Referring to pharmacies as “critical public health partners” in Pennsylvania’s plan to increase access to covid-19 vaccines, Gov. Tom Wolf approved a temporary waiver to allow state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer the shots once the vaccine is widely available.

“Many Pennsylvanians will go to their local pharmacy for vaccination,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. “This waiver will enable pharmacies to offer the covid-19 vaccines without a physician’s order.”

Pharmacists who meet certain training and other requirements can obtain authorization to administer injectable medications, biologicals and immunizations. If a pharmacist has that authorization, he or she can administer any immunization, including covid-19, to people age 18 or older.

Historically, some pharmacies have arranged with physicians to receive reimbursement for flu shots and other vaccinations. But even those that do “have not had time to incorporate the covid-19 vaccination into that relationship,” state officials said in a news release. “This waiver would allow pharmacists to order and administer covid-19 vaccines without such a provider agreement.”

On Tuesday, Health Secretary Rachel Levine said more than 250,000 Pennsylvanians have received one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, and more than 30,000 people have been fully vaccinated.

Health care workers, long-term care home residents and staff are part of the “1A” group, the first to receive the vaccine. People 65 and older are part of the next group, 1B.

Up to 2,000 eligible veterans across the region could be inoculated starting this weekend as the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Oakland prepares for its first walk-in clinic.

State officials hope, by the time the general public can be vaccinated, there will be a wide range of places where they can receive it.

“We are working on ways to increase access to the vaccine, and pharmacists already play an important role in making sure Pennsylvanians are protected,” Levine said. “Pennsylvanians continue to play an essential role in preventing the spread of covid-19 by masking up, washing up and socially distancing.”

The temporary waiver applies solely to covid-19 vaccinations.

In Westmoreland County, many first responders have received vaccinations at The Medicine Shoppe in Latrobe, the only pharmacy in the county to receive vaccine doses from the state.

In addition to hospitals in Allegheny County, a dozen pharmacies and health care centers have received the vaccine, according to state data.

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