The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) called upon USC Mann Associate Professor Richard Dang, who chaired the California Pharmacists Association’s COVID-19 Taskforce, to represent the organization before the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Friday, September 19.
Dang’s testimony before ACIP, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighted the vital role pharmacists play in ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Here is the testimony:
My name is Dr. Richard Dang, and I’m a pharmacist and associate professor at University of Southern California.
Americans deserve clear, transparent, evidence-based recommendations from ACIP, CDC, and HHS that preserve access and respect individual medical freedom so that people who want protection can get it and we can keep America healthy.
Requiring a provider prescription for a COVID vaccine is unnecessary.
We need practical access points across the healthcare system. Pharmacies are among the most accessible sites of care, with 90% of Americans living within five miles of one. And based on IQVIA claims data published by the CDC, pharmacies actually registered 90% of the total COVID vaccines in the 2024-25 season. People chose a convenient location and time, used their insurance, and were vaccinated without extra burden.
Today, this season’s delay of ACIP recommendations, the issuance of recommendations without credible evidence by HHS, and the state variability in tying pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines to the public have led to confusion and barriers for Americans.
From the 2020 and 2021 rollout of COVID vaccines, we have learned that clarity, consistency, and timeliness in recommendations have real-world implications.
I respectfully urge ACIP to, one, approve schedules and issue recommendations that are based on the best available evidence and avoid actions that limit choice or access.
Two, uphold the gold standard process. Use the evidence-to-recommendations ETR framework and grade to keep recommendations anchored in evidence and transparency.
And three, maintain and protect choice for Americans who want to protect themselves or their family members from illness, transmission, and long-term complications from infection.
With over 13 billion doses administered worldwide, COVID vaccines have been the most closely monitored of any previous vaccines and have demonstrated safety and effectiveness across the lifespan. Based on current evidence, anyone six months and older who desires protection should be able to receive the vaccine without added restrictions.
For those who want to exercise their medical freedom and choose to get the vaccine, allow them the opportunities to do so. Pharmacists have the knowledge and training to work with patients who wish to receive a COVID vaccine and to evaluate the risks and benefits. Requiring a prescription because of ambiguous or non-evidence-based recommendations would strain an already stressed healthcare system, create barriers for patients, and risk deterring people who seek vaccination.
Please help keep America healthy by preserving clear, evidence-based guidance and real-world access to these life-saving vaccines. Thank you for the opportunity to provide these comments today.