Legislation that would allow pharmacists to prescribe immunizations for children as young as 6 years old – the current limit is 12 years old – drew extensive debate in the Senate this afternoon, before finally passing on a 29-5 vote. Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, said she worried about safety concerns. Sen. Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, read a lengthy email from a constituent who said her baby suffered a stroke after his 2-month vaccinations.  “I have been on the fence about this, because I really understand the importance of immunization, but I also understand that ... the younger and younger you go in children in vaccinations and shots, they do not respond as adults and older children do,” she said.

Sen. Mary Souza, R-Coeur d’Alene, questioned “whether pharmacists are required to give the notice that it is a voluntary immunization program and they are not required.” Sen. Fred Martin, R-Boise, said, “Again, by state code parents and guardians are to be notified and give permission. ... I have here the consent slips from Rite Aid, from Costco. … I have about four or five.”

The bill was proposed by the Idaho State Pharmacy Association. “This just simply changes the age from 12 to 6,” said Senate Health & Welfare Chairman Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls.

Sen. Dan Schmidt, D-Moscow, a physician, said, “There are risks in everything we do. I believe the risks we are taking here are very low,” with pharmacists both prescribing and administering vaccinations. “Having good access to ongoing medical care is the best choice for our children, but some don’t have that,” Schmidt said. “And this, in my opinion, is a reasonable choice.”

The five "no" votes were from Sens. Keough, Nuxoll, Souza, Stennett and Vick. Asked later why she voted against the bill, Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, said, “Six just seemed a little young to me.” She said in her experience, her local pharmacies are “always really busy, there’s always a line. At 6 years old, I would feel more comfortable if those immunizations were happening in the pediatrician’s office, where parents could have more time, not feel rushed. And if there were a reaction, kids could get immediate care.” The bill, SB 1294, now moves to the House side.