The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the U.S. since early March 2020, resulting in over 16 million cases and more than 300,000 deaths.
During this challenging time, pharmacists have been on the front lines, managing and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some passionate pharmacy students even graduated early to offer their support.
Now, with the introduction of a new vaccine, there is hope on the horizon.
The First COVID-19 Vaccine
On December 11, 2020, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the first COVID-19 vaccine, following a thorough evaluation of its safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.
FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. stated in a press release, “The first COVID-19 vaccine is a significant milestone in battling this devastating pandemic that has affected so many families in the U.S. and around the world.”
Following this announcement, pharmacists across the country prepared to help administer the vaccine.
Administering the COVID-19 Vaccine
The first doses of Pfizer’s vaccine were administered on December 14, 2020. This marked the start of a long but critical process in which pharmacy professionals would play a central role.
To increase access, the Department of Health and Human Services authorized the following pharmacy professionals to administer COVID-19 vaccines (as outlined by the American Pharmacists Association):
- State-Licensed Pharmacists – Can order and administer vaccines
- State-Authorized Pharmacy Interns – Can administer vaccines under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist
- Qualified Pharmacy Technicians – Can also administer vaccines under pharmacist supervision
Vaccination is expected to occur in phases. Frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities are among the first recipients—and pharmacists are often the ones delivering these vaccines.
Pharmacists nationwide have expressed excitement and pride in playing a key role in helping the country combat the pandemic. For example, an inpatient pharmacist in New Orleans was the first person in Louisiana to administer the vaccine and described it as a career highlight on a recent episode of The Daily Podcast.
A Greater Demand for Pharmacists
Because of their crucial role in the COVID-19 vaccination effort, pharmacists are in high demand.
A Bloomberg article noted that major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are hiring thousands of professionals for testing, vaccination, and related services. Some roles even come with sign-on bonuses of up to $30,000.
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