Mukherji Legislation Permitting Optometrists to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines Advanced by Assembly Committee

(TRENTON) – As the state calls on qualified health care professionals to assist in its effort to vaccinate New Jersey adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji sponsors a bill that would permit optometrists to administer vaccines.

The bill (A-5222) authorizes optometrists to administer the influenza vaccine and vaccines related to public health emergencies – including the current COVID-19 pandemic – to adults.

Upon the Assembly Health Committee advancing the bill on Wednesday, Assemblyman Mukherji (D-Hudson) issued the following statement:

“We’re all eager to see an end to this unprecedented crisis. A key factor influencing how quickly we can distribute vaccines to residents is how many health care professionals are available to help administer them. Expanding safe points of access for New Jerseyans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the flu shot, will help our state get this pandemic under control more quickly and efficiently.”

The measure now heads to the Assembly Speaker for further consideration.