Resources for you and your patients

Here we've curated a collection of the most relevant links to help independent community pharmacies through the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you need resources for communicating with patients or the latest guidance from the CDC and WHO, this is your destination for the most valuable coronavirus-related information, tools and support.

Win for Pharmacists & Children - HHS Certifies Pharmacists to Provide Vaccines to Children During COVID-19 Pandemic

Yesterday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar authorized state-licensed pharmacists (and pharmacy interns acting under supervision of a licensed pharmacist) to order/administer all CDC recommended & FDA approved vaccines for children age 3-18 (pharmacists must meet requirements outlined in the HHS press release). This new authorization aims to ensure stronger vaccine access for children during the pandemic, following a May CDC report showing a decline in childhood immunizations. Secretary Azar noted that 28 states have existing laws similar to this new federal declaration; however, 22 states currently limit pharmacists’ ability to provide these immunizations, making HHS’ announcement so critical. 
  
However, it remains unclear if states need to take additional action to enforce or implement this federal decision, and several questions remain regarding how pharmacists will be reimbursed by payers.  ABC & GNP will work with manufacturer and pharmacy partners in the American Disease Prevention Coalition to monitor these concerns. Pharmacists’ ability to provide care to patients (e.g. administering immunizations and flu tests) varies by state, service and payer-type.  Pharmacists are recognized as providers for services in some states but are not recognized as providers within Medicare. If Congress establishes pharmacists as providers in Medicare, the hope is that other states and payers will follow.  In 2019, 147 provider status-related bills were introduced in state legislatures aiming to expand pharmacist scope of practice, payment for services and/or designation of pharmacists as providers in Medicaid and/or commercial plans. Idaho even expanded pharmacist prescriptive authority last year. NASPA has resources reflecting current state laws re: pharmacists’ ability to provide additional care to patients.     

We applaud this positive development for pharmacists and children, reflecting HHS’ trust and recognition of pharmacists in providing patient care. This action also strengthens our arguments/legislative strategy to recognize pharmacists as providers within Medicare for providing flu and COVID-19 tests and immunizations.  NACDS, NCPA and APhA issued positive statements on the HHS announcement.    

COVID-19 Signage Available on Good Neighbor Pharmacy Signage Portal

Temporary signage is now available to meet the changing needs of your business. Sneeze guards, distancing dots, window clings, sidewalk signs and much more can be found on the Good Neighbor Pharmacy signage portal.

Communications and Tools for Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Elevate members

My GNP Mobile App

Provide patients with an additional method of refilling prescriptions with the My GNP mobile app. Leveraging the mobile app will reinforce social distancing and help alleviate high volume of calls to your pharmacy. 

The My GNP mobile app can be found by searching "My GNP" on the Google Play or Apple App store. 

Digital Marketing Updates

Digital marketing channels, such as Facebook and Google, have never been more important for independent pharmacies use to connect with their patients. In light of the recent coronavirus pandemic, many of these platforms are offering additional support and guidelines for local businesses. Visit our COVID-19 marketing page to learn about the latest policy changes in this area that relevant for independent pharmacies.