NACDS joins COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has joined the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, an initiative which will provide information about the clinical trials process, regulatory review, and access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations in a way that prioritizes equity and trust.

The Project has nearly 60 collaborating organizations that represent patients, older adults, veterans, caregivers, first responders, healthcare professionals and others who will be essential to the conversation about COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Pharmacies and pharmacists are prepared to help provide safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations to all Americans, and they will bring trust and accessibility that is meaningful for patients and for local communities. That is why NACDS looks forward to engaging in the important conversations and work to which the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project is committed,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “There is a pharmacy within five miles of 90% of Americans, and pharmacists are among the most trusted healthcare professionals – particularly among those in the greatest need.”

A poll conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by NACDS Aug. 13-16 found that three-in-four adults say they trust pharmacists to administer a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, the poll found that one-third of adults say they are more likely to get a COVID-19 vaccination if it is available at a pharmacy.

NACDS also is spearheading its own initiatives to maximize the local voice of the pharmacist and to engage in important COVID-19 vaccination dialogue in communities nationwide. Similarly, NACDS has reflected the extensive work of member companies to help raise awareness of flu vaccinations to help prevent a two-front public health war with COVID-19 and flu, prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations.