COVID-19

This week on Pharmacy Times, there are a number of important topics that will be covered and posted throughout the week.

High levels of humidity promote mucocilliary clearance, which is a defense mechanism that removes mucus and potentially harmful particles from the lungs.

In a recent statement updating its progress with COVID-19 vaccinations, Walgreens explained that it has administered more than 3 million COVID-19 vaccinations at LTC facilities and among additional vulnerable populations.

If approved as part of a proposed update to the Emergency Use Authorization, the findings could make Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine more widely available.

The investigators said rebuilding public health and other social structures will not only assist disadvantaged groups in times of need, but will also help society at large.

While other factors are causing hospitalizations to fall in the top 10 states, vaccinations could be a significant contributing factor.

Study suggests the major risks to pregnancy are from maternal respiratory illness due to COVID-19 and urged prevention measures as a key to ensure safety.

The research team conducted interviews with stakeholders to gauge the sector’s thoughts around implementing COVID-19 measures in licensed premises prior to COVID-19 restrictions being lifted.

To date, 45.4 million doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine have been supplied to the US government, according to a recent update from the company that details progress on their ongoing collaboration with the US government.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Kurt Proctor, PhD, RPh, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at the NCPA, on his outlook on the future of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout under the Biden administration.

As Pharmacy Times® goes to press this month, there is a lot of encouraging news on the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) front.

Medication reconciliation is a critical component of the oncology pharmacistʼs duties that has been performed safely over the phone with the patient, caregiver, and pharmacy with the assistance of electronic health records.

Study suggests that when individuals are expected to wear a mask, people perceive a lower risk with leaving home and visiting public locations.

Across the country, independent community pharmacies are vital resources in areas without many other pharmacies or health care providers accessible to patients.

Our cover article focuses on notable oncology trends for 2021.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Kurt Proctor, PhD, RPh, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at the NCPA, on positive stories from pharmacies engaged in COVID-19 vaccinations and any unforeseen issues that may have arisen at vaccination sites.

In a discussion regarding racial disparities and impediments to getting more people of color vaccinated, Laurie Zephyrin, MD, MPH, MBA, vice president of the delivery system reform at The Commonwealth Fund, explained some of the key factors.

A community pharmacist reflects on spending time in quarantine after a positive COVID-19 test in the family.

Pharmacists must be ready to roll up their sleeves and administer the COVID-19 vaccine to millions of Americans.

ACTIV-3, a master protocol, is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.

The investigators also found significant racial disparities, with Black patients with dementia more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than white patients with dementia.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Kurt Proctor, PhD, RPh, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at the NCPA, on how the Biden administration’s launch of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program may affect the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

Positive COVID-19 cases in the United States totaled 731,000 this week, a sharp decline from the average of 1.3 million over the last 12 weeks.

Many patients have turned to pharmacies for immunizations and testing during the pandemic, creating great opportunities for pharmacies to grow their patient population.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Kim White, MBA, vice president of Numerof & Associates, on how changes in business strategies in hospitals due to the COVID-19 pandemic may affect how hospital pharmacies conduct their business.