As the holiday season quickly approaches, next week is also the observance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (November 18-24, 2023). This campaign raises awareness about the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. This includes avoiding inappropriate antibiotic use for common viral infections like flu and COVID-19. As the nation prepares to travel and gather with family and friends this winter season – and to avoid upticks in the COVID-19, flu, RSV cases – it is important to reflect on the critical role of pharmacies in helping to protect the communities they serve through vaccinations and other interventions.
In recognition of the essential role pharmacies play in advancing the health of their communities, CDC awarded NACDS a grant to promote the dialogue surrounding community-based antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Through this grant, NACDS developed a resource library with relevant materials and resources on antibiotic stewardship for the community pharmacy setting – which was disseminated to chain pharmacy members. Additionally, in June 2023, NACDS hosted a Pharmacy Antibiotic Stewardship Forum in Arlington, Virginia, to discuss strategies to further advance stewardship initiatives. The Forum, made possible by CDC, convened key experts and stakeholders across 15 organizations, including CDC, pharmacy, public health, and infectious disease experts. The multidisciplinary group identified opportunities to collaborate on initiatives, engage other stakeholders, such as payors, and further increase awareness of pharmacies’ unique ability to address antibiotic stewardship. A summary of the productive discussion during the Forum is available. A one-pager was also created to facilitate conversations between community pharmacies and payors to support sustainable pharmacy-based stewardship programs and initiatives.
In the midst of this respiratory illness season, NACDS recognizes and applauds pharmacy teams’ ongoing dedication and hard work to advance health across the nation. As the most accessible healthcare settings, communities rely on pharmacies for essential healthcare services and clinical guidance. Even as new threats emerge, pharmacy teams stand strong and remain available – offering screenings, administering lifesaving vaccinations, providing test-and-treat services that improve health and advance public health priorities, including antibiotic stewardship, and more. Thank you to America’s pharmacy teams for their unwavering commitment to serving communities.
Funding for this work was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
