During the virtual NACDS Total Store Expo (TSE) Business Program on Monday, August 23, NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson emphasized the vital role that pharmacies and pharmacy teams continue to play in the nation’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

This is ever-more-vivid amid the focus on extra doses for the immunocompromised, boosters for the general public, anticipated demand increases given vaccine approvals, and the simultaneous focus on vaccinating against influenza. NACDS members continue to meet the nation’s needs as truly sustainable vaccination solutions, and NACDS continues to advocate for policies necessary to empower this critical work.

Anderson said:

“In January, a Bloomberg Business article said, and I quote, ‘If They Nail Vaccinations, Drugstores Will Be the Heroes of 2021.’ Well, I’m here to tell you, pharmacies are nailing it – and you and your teams are proven heroes.

“We just had two more examples of this. Two weeks ago, the federal government established additional COVID vaccine doses for those with compromised immunity. And just last week, the Biden Administration announced booster plans for the general public.

“As this news plays out, I propose that two facts will be proven yet again. First, as we predicted together:

NACDS members are the sustainable vaccination solution.

“Pharmacies consistently serve within five miles of 90 percent of Americans. And they fan out to go the extra mile.

“We said that when the need for additional shots was upon us, pharmacies would be the ones still here – at the ready. And, true to form: Here We Are. And the second fact that will be proven again: Uniting through NACDS is critical.

“NACDS brings together the front-line experience of pharmacies – so we can speak clearly to government about what is needed. And we are being heard.”