PREP Act declaration expands vaccination workforce
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) took steps to expand the pool of health care professionals qualified to deliver vaccinations against COVID-19. The action comes under the authority of the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. Health care professionals authorized to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations under the action include dentists, emergency medical technicians, midwives, optometrists, paramedics, physician assistants, podiatrists, respiratory therapists and veterinarians. Also included are medical, nursing and other students in the listed professions who have proper training and supervision. (HHS news release, 3/12/21)