Comment on DOD-2009-HA-0151-DRAFT-0005

H-E-B currently has 211 pharmacies in the state of Texas and over 70% of our pharmacists are active immunizers and have been actively providing immunizations for ten years. Texas law allows immunizations under protocol to all persons over 14 years of age, flu immunizaitons to all persons over 7 years of age, and to children with a physician order. Our pharmacies are easy available access points in our communities and each year has seen an increase in the number of immunizations provided to our communities. In addition, we work with employers and other groups to provide services outside of our pharmacies at different locations. Currently H-E-B is providing 12 different vaccines and looking to expand into the travel vaccines. We commend the Department for waiving the beneficiary cost sharing to encourage beneficiaries to obtain their vacinations. We strongly support the expansion of the program to other vaccines such as Hepatitis A and B, meningitis, tetanus, measles, shingles and others. In addition to the healthcare benefits, the submission of claims for these services would utilize the NCPDP standard, be efficient, and occur in real time, creating administrative efficiencies and cost savings. As healthcare needs continue to grow, it is important to utilize all possible healthcare resources and pharmacy is positioned to help serve that need. Immunizations is a critical needs for which pharmacy can provide accessible quality care for our citizens. I appreciate the opportunity to submit these comments. Thank you