August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), through its Nourish My Health initiative, marked the observance by spotlighting a touchpoint of care that millions of Americans rely on every year to get vaccinated: their local pharmacy. Throughout the month, NACDS and participating member pharmacies highlighted the role pharmacies play in keeping patients protected — especially seniors and those managing chronic conditions who face the greatest risks from vaccine-preventable illness. The connection between chronic, nutrition-related diseases and vaccine-preventable illnesses underscores an important reality: the benefits of preventive care extend far beyond any single condition, supporting better whole-person health.

Pharmacies are uniquely positioned to help patients who choose to get vaccinated stay ahead of respiratory season. Americans visit their pharmacy nearly ten times more often than they visit their primary care provider, and most pharmacies offer vaccinations during extended hours without an appointment — giving busy people and families frequent, low-friction opportunities to get vaccinated.

Routine vaccinations, along with regular health screenings and good nutrition, help lower the risk of complications from infectious diseases, especially for people with chronic conditions. People living with conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are more susceptible to the worst outcomes from respiratory illnesses, further underscoring the need to stay current with recommended vaccination schedules. For example, contracting the flu increases the risk of a heart attack by up to six times in the first week after infection. The best prevention against severe flu is a flu shot.

“As we head into respiratory season, pharmacies are often the fastest and easiest place for patients who want access to vaccines to get protected,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “Patients count on their pharmacy for convenient vaccination access, and that access matters most in the months when respiratory illnesses put the greatest strain on patients and communities. That is especially true for the millions of Americans managing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, who face some of the highest risks from respiratory illnesses — and who rely on their pharmacy for vaccination access, as well as the screenings and nutrition support that promote their health year-round.”

Throughout National Immunization Awareness Month and beyond, NACDS member pharmacies are supporting immunization access in meaningful ways, including:

• Hosting on-site flu shot clinics at workplaces and drive-thru flu shot clinics outside stores each fall, making it quick and convenient for busy families to get vaccinated;
• Helping patients stay up to date on seasonal and routine immunizations, with pharmacies serving as an easy, accessible place to do so;
• Providing knowledgeable pharmacist-led immunization services and information to help patients stay healthy and protected; and,
• Connecting patients to vaccination resources and helping them locate a nearby pharmacy offering the immunizations they need.

Roughly 9 in 10 Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, and most Americans say it is easy to access healthcare services there — making pharmacies one of the most consistently available points of care in the country. That accessibility is especially valuable heading into respiratory season, when getting vaccinated early and on schedule can mean the difference between a mild illness and a serious one, particularly for older adults and people with chronic health conditions.

Observed each August, National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder that staying current on vaccinations protects not just one person’s health, but the health of those around them. Through its Nourish My Health initiative and ongoing advocacy, NACDS continues to champion the role pharmacies play in delivering accessible, convenient care that helps patients and their families stay healthy and prevent disease — this respiratory season and year-round.

Launched in 2023 with leading national health organizations, NACDS Nourish My Health supports a national strategy to improve nutrition and reduce chronic disease. The campaign encourages baseline health screenings and offers healthy eating guidelines. It also runs a nutrition security survey to develop practical ways to expand access and provides resources for professionals. The relationship between chronic, nutrition-related diseases and vaccine-preventable illnesses highlights the far-reaching impact of preventive care on overall health and wellbeing. Visit nourishmyhealth.org.