Survey Finds Most Chain Drug Execs Wary of Rx Imports

The overwhelming majority ofpharmacy personnel and headquartersexecs in the chain drug store industrysaid they are personally leery of usingprescription medications importedfrom Canada or other countries.

During a survey conducted by theNational Association of Chain DrugStores, more than 84% of the respondentssaid that, "without a governmentguarantee," they would not orderprescription drugs from abroad forthemselves or for a family member.

The survey also suggests that lastyear's flu vaccine snafu may be discouragingsome chains from offeringfree flu shots to consumers during2005. By a 2-to-1 margin, the surveyrespondents said that their drug storeswould not be providing free flu shotsagain this year.

Mr. Rankin is a freelance medical writer.