Report: Pharmacy earnings will benefit from H1N1 resurgence

NEW YORK Drug stores should expect a surge in pharmacy sales if a second wave of influenza A(H1N1) emerges in the United States, according to analysts.

The amount of money depends on how severe the swine flu becomes, Dow Jones reported.

Retailers throughout the country have begun a "viral" campaign with vaccination programs, some of which already have commenced. Additionally, the expansion of retail clinics also poise drug chains to fair well during this upcoming flu season.

Dow Jones also attributes the boost to the fact that Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are reportedly in discussions with state and federal officials to see how they can help with distribution of a swine flu vaccine, expected to be available in mid-October, the companies' spokespersons said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a total of 8,843 hospitalizations and 556 deaths associated with H1N1.