Pharmacy orgs praise pharmacist preparedness in COVID-19 vaccine administration

Pharmacy organizations, including The National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the American Pharmacists Association, and the National Community Pharmacists Association are recognizing pharmacies and their pharmacist teams for preparing to administer a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. 

“This announcement reflects continued progress to put the trust, accessibility and professionalism of pharmacies and pharmacists to work for the American people — including the traditionally underserved — through the administration of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations when they are available,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson.

This news comes on the heels of a recent Department of Health and Human Services’ announcement regarding national and regional chain pharmacies’ and independent pharmacies’ role in increasing access to future COVID-19 vaccinations.

“This announcement once again recognizes pharmacies as key access points across the country for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Scott Knoer, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. “Optimizing delivery of these important vaccines and utilizing immunization services provided by qualified pharmacists and pharmacy team members supports our nation’s goal of protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Pharmacists stand ready and able to address the public health needs of our communities.”

Anderson also noted how pharmacies and pharmacists will continue to help Americans stay healthy and to help restore the economy and job creation.

“The vaccine program is key to defeating COVID-19, and defeating the virus is the key to our economy. From the start of the pandemic, community pharmacists have been on the front lines, taking care of their patients as essential health care providers. It is very good news for the country that HHS has included community pharmacies in its vaccine distribution program,” NCPA CEO Doug Hoey said.