Under SB 493, immunizations can be independently initiated and administered to patients at least how old?

• A. 1 year
• B. 2 years
• C. 3 years
• D. 4 years

Answer: (C)

SB 493 broadens pharmacists’ role by allowing immunizations to be independently initiated and administered to patients who are at least three years old. This age threshold is the key point: a pharmacist can vaccinate a 3-year-old or older without direct physician supervision, as long as they have completed board-approved immunization training, maintain current CPR certification, properly document the vaccination, and report it to the California Immunization Registry. Immunizations for children under three still require physician involvement or supervision under a protocol.