Be a VIP (Vaccinated, Immunized Person)!
Besides the obvious health aspects of getting a COVID-19 shot, a number of companies are offering incentives to those who can show proof they have received their coronavirus vaccine.
Here a just a few of the perks available to “VIPs”.
- Several Major League Baseball stadiums are opening sections that are dedicated exclusively for fans who are fully vaccinated others are offering discounted ticket prices with vaccination proof.
- Krispy Kreme is offering a free glazed doughnut for those with a vaccine record card.
- Beer companies (Budweiser & Sam Adams) have free beer offers for VIPs.
- Staples and Office Depot are offering free laminating of completed COVID-19 vaccination cards.
- White Castle, who is giving a free dessert-on-a-stick to anyone with proof they have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Being a VIP was never easier!
Editorial: Encouraging the Second Dose
According to CDC data, an estimated 5 million people (8%) received one dose of their vaccination but have skipped the second. Why people are not getting the second dose is complex. Some may be due to appointment scheduling issues, previous vaccine shortages, assuming that one dose is sufficient or fear of second dose side effects they have heard about.
Getting the second series shot is more important than originally thought. Evidence is highlighting the risks of skipping the second dose. A sole shot triggers a weaker immune response and may leave recipients and the community more susceptible to virus variants. Even though a single dose provides partial protection against COVID-19, it’s not yet clear how long that protection lasts. As pharmacy care providers, besides getting yourself fully vaccinated, encourage family, friends and your community to do the same. Offer second doses regardless of where the first was administered. Also, call, text, or send emails to patients to remind them to get their second shots.
Vaccine Updates
Pfizer-BioNTech – The FDA expanded EUA to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age. Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet report the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is effective at protecting against severe illness caused by variants from the UK and South Africa. Pfizer-BioNTech have initiated an application for full approval of their COVID-19 vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older.
Moderna – reported early findings from Phase 2 clinical trials for two of its COVID-19 booster shots. Both booster shots induced immune response to COVID-19 and variants from South Africa and Brazil.
Novavax – announced it has expanded its Phase 3 clinical trial for its COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 12 and 17. The company is testing two doses of its vaccine spaced 21 days apart.
Vaccine Tracker
According to the CDC, as of 5/11/2021, a total of 330 million doses have been delivered and 261 million doses have been administered. This accounts for; 34.8% of the total population, 44.3% of those over 18 years of age and 71.5% of those over 65 years of age being fully vaccinated.
Scruples and Drams
News and Notes from Around Pharmacy
- CDC reports older adults who are fully vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were 94% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than individuals of the same age who were not vaccinated.
- The World Health Organization has classified the COVID variant, B.1.617, first discovered in India as a “variant of concern.”
- Cybercriminal groups have recently been targeting organizations across various sectors including healthcare. Prevention is the most effective defense against ransomware. It is critical to follow best practices to protect against ransomware attacks, which can be devastating and recovery may be a difficult process. The FBI and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) urge asset owners and operators to review their available resources for best practices on strengthening cybersecurity.
Are you reducing your pharmacy carbon footprint?
Digital MedGuides
Digital MedGuides are MarkeTouch’s proprietary and patent pending process for the automated electronic distribution of government required or manufacturer provided patient medication information currently distributed using paper at the pharmacy counter.
Going paperless with pharmacy patient information could save*:
- 8,500,000 printed pages
- 1,000 trees from being used for paper
- $150,000 in from paper, toner and labor
To learn more about how to enhance your pharmacy sustainability efforts with Digital MedGuides, contact us.
*Based on the annual average use of 100 pharmacies.
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