ALBANY - Gov. David Paterson signed legislation to let pharmacists administer flu and pneumonia shots, a change expected to boost the number of adults getting vaccinated statewide.

Starting Dec. 4, New York pharmacists who complete state training and certification will be permitted to give the shots with a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner. Three-year certifications would cost $100.

“Allowing pharmacists to immunize would increase access to vaccinations as pharmacies are open long hours, on weekends and most holidays,” said Sen. Charles Fuschillo, a Long Island Republican who sponsored the bill.

State Education Department data showed 20,303 state-licensed pharmacists at the start of 2008, with 16,219 listing primary mailing addresses in New York.

In their supporting memo, Assembly sponsors said every other state except Maine already allows the vaccinations, and studies show adult immunization rates for annual flu shots improve dramatically after such a change. In New York City alone, some health experts said the measure could increase the number of seniors who get the shots by 50,000 or more.

On Friday, Paterson announced he signed dozens of bills, including consumer measures to:

- Require stores to remove recalled and defective toys and juvenile products such as cribs from their shelves within 24 hours of receiving recall notices. “This legislation addresses growing concerns that potentially dangerous and recalled toys and products are widely available in stores throughout New York State,” Paterson said.

- Clarify the definition of wine in state law to include beverages produced with fruits and plants other than grapes.

- Require landlords to notify current and prospective tenants of test results for indoor air contamination.

- Require hotels that furnish drinking glasses, silverware or flatware in individual rooms to ensure they are fully sanitized according to state Health Department standards.

AP-ES-09-05-08 1520EDT