Optometrists and dentists in some ares are seeking the right to administer COVID-19 vaccines when the drugs become available, Kaiser Health News reports.
Professional societies representing both professions in California “are in talks with state officials to expand their job descriptions to include administering vaccines,” according to the report.
And the American Association of Dental Boards says half of all states have looked into letting dentists give the vaccines, which are quickly nearing U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. In Oregon, dentists last year won the right to administer vaccines and are currently undergoing training to do so, according to Kaiser.
Optometrists and dentists say that by giving the vaccines, they could provide relief to other parts of the healthcare system.
“Our whole hope is to assist our nation in regaining its health and in returning to a sense of normal,” Dr. David Ardaya, a California optometrist, was quoted saying. Ardaya serves as chairman of a California Optometric Association committee examining the matter.
The optometric association is discussing the issue with the governor’s vaccine task force and also looking into the possibility of legislative action, according to Kaiser.
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