COVID vaccines present challenge for smaller pharmacies
Taking constant phone calls and entering names onto growing lists, deleting old names and re-arranging others after cancellations and no-shows, juggling a varying number of COVID-19 vaccines – this is what mom-and-pop pharmacies around the state have been doing along with their regular services.
“You might have to make a list of a thousand phone numbers, and a hundred of those have probably already gotten the vaccine,” said Jimmy Taylor, lead pharmacist at Don Chaucer’s Pharmacy in Hammond. “We’ve never done anything like this. You can’t just walk in and get a COVID vaccine like the flu. It’s a learning curve for all of us. If we have a heavy day, we have to bring in nurses to give the shots for me so I can keep running the pharmacy.”
Matthew Bennett
LSU Manship News Service
Constant phone calls and entering names onto growing lists, deleting old names and re-arranging others after cancellations and no-shows, juggling a varying number of COVID-19 vaccines from one period to the next this is what mom-and-pop pharmacies around the state have been dealing with along with their regular services.
“You might have to make a list of a thousand phone numbers, and a hundred of those have probably already gotten the vaccine,” said Jimmy Taylor, lead pharmacist of Don Chaucer’s Pharmacy in Hammond. “We’ve never done anything like this. You can’t just walk in and get a COVID vaccine like the flu. It’s a learning curve for all of us. If we have a heavy day, we have to bring in nurses to give the shots for me so I can keep running the pharmacy.”
About a dozen people gathered in the parking lot of the Sulphur Senior Center Tuesday to gather information about COVID-19 vaccines from June McBride, RN, Infection Prevention Coordinator with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.
Attendees sat in cars for the presentation, which was made via a microphine and sound system due to social distancing protocol.
McBride had a stuffed unicorn, sporting a mask and hand santizer, attached to her belt. She said âCovidicornâ is a visual reminder of the safety measures people must take, even after theyâve had the vaccine.
McBride spoke briefly about how the vaccine, (taken in two doses either three or weeks apart depending on the brand) works and what side effects are possible.