A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-33) permitting optometrists to administer COVID-19 and flu vaccines has been signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy (D).
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The law (formerly bill A-5222) authorizes optometrists certified by the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists to administer vaccines to adults for influenza and coronaviruses if they meet the training and qualification requirements established by the board pursuant to the ‘Administrative Procedure Act.’
During a public health emergency involving an outbreak or epidemic of a coronavirus or influenza, the board may certify optometrists to administer the associated vaccine, regardless of whether the board has adopted the aforementioned rules and regulations.
The legislation was also sponsored by Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D-15) and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-19), who issued a joint statement with Mukherji yesterday upon receiving approval from the governor.
“We’re all eager to see an end to this unprecedented crisis. A key factor influencing how quickly we can distribute vaccines to residents is how many health care professionals are available to help administer them,” they said.
“Expanding safe points of access for New Jerseyans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will help our state get this pandemic under control more quickly and efficiently.”
