Pharmacists Lead Public Health Efforts, Build Trust During American Pharmacists Month

In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Samantha Picking, PharmD, director of immunizations at Walgreens, reflected on pharmacists’ expanding role in public health and preventive care during American Pharmacists Month. She described how Walgreens collaborates with federal agencies to prepare for respiratory season, the rapid mobilization of pharmacists during outbreaks such as measles, and the deep trust that patients place in their local pharmacy teams. Picking urged future pharmacists to embrace their role as accessible health care leaders who strengthen communities through education, prevention, and patient relationships.

Pharmacy Times: Can you share how Walgreens collaborates with public health agencies during national vaccination efforts?

Samantha Picking: Preparing for respiratory season is a huge, collaborative effort—we can’t do it alone. Every year, our team engages with the administration, Congress, and elected officials nationwide to understand the latest guidelines and regulatory updates at both the federal and state levels.

We all share the same goal of keeping our communities healthy. Throughout the season, our teams work closely with the administration and partners across the supply chain to determine upcoming needs, ensure sufficient vaccine supply, and be ready for anything that comes our way. Our pharmacy teams will continue to offer and administer vaccines, including COVID-19, in full compliance with applicable laws.

Pharmacy Times: In your view, what should the next generation of pharmacists know about leading immunization initiatives?

Samantha Picking: Yeah, it’s a great and important question. The next generation of pharmacists should really embrace the vital role we play in maintaining community health and safety. We’re not just administering vaccines—we’re listening to patients, addressing concerns, developing relationships, and providing evidence-based guidance.

Pharmacists are among the most trusted and accessible health care professionals, which is so important for future pharmacists to remember. According to a recent survey, four in five respondents trust their pharmacists—a relationship that’s critical as we navigate high levels of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

That trust places pharmacists at the forefront of public health efforts to encourage vaccination and counter misinformation. Our pharmacy teams already play that key role. For instance, during recent measles outbreaks, we quickly activated in Texas hotspots to administer MMR vaccines, nearly doubling MMR vaccinations early in the year and seeing a 250% increase in affected communities.

Future pharmacists should remember the vital role they play in supporting communities, whether it’s during outbreaks or preparing for respiratory season. Few health care providers can activate as quickly and on such a large scale. Vaccination is more than just giving a shot—it’s about building relationships, caring for patients, and keeping communities safe.

Pharmacy Times: As we celebrate American Pharmacists Month, what message would you share about the evolving role of pharmacists in preventive care?

Samantha Picking, PharmD: Yeah, it’s such a fun and important month to highlight the vital role pharmacists play. The role of local pharmacists is more important than ever. We’re on the front lines, helping ensure the health and safety of our communities, and we’ve played that role for decades. Americans visit their local pharmacist twice as often as any other health care provider. As one of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists often serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking guidance. We’re deeply embedded in our neighborhoods and able to address unique patient needs.

Ninety percent of people in the U.S. live less than five miles from a community pharmacy, and 77% agree that pharmacists are an integral part of their care team. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and millennials, are excited about pharmacists expanding their scope of practice. Convenience and trust continue to drive this support. As we celebrate American Pharmacists Month, it’s important to remember that pharmacists are trusted, convenient, and accessible health care providers who play a crucial role in their communities.

Pharmacy Times: Is there anything else that you wanted to add?

Samantha Picking, PharmD: Maybe just to add—it’s that time of year, so it’s important to prioritize getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia if patients are eligible, especially as virus activity starts to rise.

Pharmacists are highly trained health care providers and always available to guide patients about vaccines. Anyone with questions or concerns should talk to their Walgreens pharmacist. You can walk in anytime—it’s super easy.