The Pharmacist Will See You Now… and Treat You Now, Too

Patty Milazzo, R.Ph.

Logan Graham

THE U.S. NATIONAL VACCINATION EFFORTS began in the spring of 2021, creating one of the fastest and largest operational shifts in pharmacy history. Retail pharmacies administered over 240,000 COVID-19 vaccinations in less than a year and have continued into 2022 with first and second boosters. Pharmacies were responsible for approximately 70% of all long-term care vaccinations and quickly became the nation’s frontline strategy as the primary provider of vaccinations. The U.S. government now considers pharmacy a prominent player in the delivery of healthcare, as evidenced by the recently announced “test to treat” initiative.

In the 2022 State of the Union Address, President Biden announced a new COVID strategy. Described as “test to treat” by Biden and by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), it allows patients to receive a rapid COVID test and oral antiviral treatments for COVID at their community pharmacy. The presid…