Diversifying the Business of Community Pharmacies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Brian Nightengale, RPh, PhD, president of Good Neighbor Pharmacy, on the value of diversifying a community pharmacy’s business through meaningful health and wellness services in order to effectively prepare the community for the influenza (flu) season during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The discussion included how Nightengale expects ordering and administering a COVID-19 vaccine upon its availability may potentially affect operations and services of Good Neighbor Pharmacy members, as well as how Good Neighbor Pharmacy is preparing for this year’s flu season in which both the flu and COVID-19 will be in circulation.

“We at AmerisourceBergen are in constant communication with the authorities, the CDC, HHS, and the manufacturers, in terms of planning and preparation. So that’s number one—being aware of the current environment, being aware of what’s coming, and being able to be prepared for a very quick response once a vaccine is available,” Nightengale said. “Quite frankly, the potential for a COVID-19 vaccine on top of flu season in a way complicates things, but also in a way can help things because the pharmacies are ramping up for flu season anyways.”

Additionally, Nightengale discussed the value of a pharmacist in the delivery of meaningful health and wellness services in the pharmacy.