Fact Sheet HHS Announces Intent to Amend the Declaration Under the PREP Act for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced amendments to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act declaration, aiming to strengthen the nation's defense against COVID-19 through medical countermeasures. These amendments expand the range of qualified persons authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, including licensed pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and qualified pharmacy technicians. The changes also provide liability protection for covered countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The amendments seek to increase vaccine accessibility, accelerate the vaccination process, and ensure adequate healthcare workforce availability during the ongoing public health emergency.