During the California State Board of Pharmacy meeting on December 4, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding the safety and administration of COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies, alongside discussions about pharmacy staffing and regulatory practices.

One of the most impactful moments came from Julie Threate, a resident of Butte County, who passionately appealed to the board to halt the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies. Threate cited a troubling increase in reported deaths linked to vaccine administration, claiming the number had risen from 74 to 87 since her last report. She urged the board to investigate these incidents and ensure pharmacies comply with legal requirements for reporting adverse vaccine events. Threate, who described her own health struggles post-vaccination, emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in vaccine administration.

The meeting also featured Ronald Evans Jr., a former public information officer at the California Department of Public Health, who echoed concerns about vaccine safety, particularly among communities of color. He highlighted a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services indicating that vaccines were disproportionately affecting these populations. Evans called for the use of Ivermectin as a treatment option, which he claimed had been overlooked by health authorities.

In addition to vaccine-related discussions, pharmacists raised issues regarding staffing shortages and the challenges of maintaining a pharmacist in charge (PIC) at pharmacies. Mark Rausch, a veteran pharmacist, pointed out that many pharmacies struggle to find qualified staff, which can compromise patient safety. He requested that the board provide more transparency about which pharmacies are facing staffing difficulties.

The board also heard from Vinay Arora of Cardinal Health, who advocated for a waiver program to allow remote work for pharmacists in emergency situations, citing a significant decline in pharmacy school applications and potential workforce shortages.

Another key topic was the implementation of AB 1114, which mandates reimbursement for pharmacist-provided clinical services. Ken from the California Pharmacists Association urged the board to address inconsistencies in reimbursement practices among managed care organizations, which he said hinder pharmacists from providing essential services to vulnerable populations.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of these discussions and the need for ongoing dialogue about pharmacy practices, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. The outcomes of this meeting could have lasting implications for pharmacy operations and public health in California, as stakeholders continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in the healthcare system.