CHS Pharmacy News 

October 2022

Business Hours

Normal business hours are 9 AM – 5:30 PM M-F, and 9 AM – 3PM Saturday and Closed on Sunday
*Emergency services available 24/7/365

Vaccine Updates* **

Always refer to latest CDC and ACIP guidelines for most up-to-date information as recommendations are rapidly changing.

• INFLUENZA VACCINES:
  For the 2022-2023 flu season, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
• INFLUENZA & COVID-19 VACCINES:
  Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 booster and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible and the timing coincides.
• PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINES:
  For those who have never received any pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, CDC recommends PCV15 or PCV20 for adults 65 years or older and adults 19 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions or risk factors. If PCV15 is used, this should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.

Medication Update: Albuterol Inhalers

Generic albuterol inhalers are currently supplied as three different brand products: Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil. Each has its own specific generic equivalent. These generics are not interchangeable per the FDA when dispensing. Review with your consultant pharmacist for more specific information when ordering. Most delays in the medication being dispensed is due to insurance formulary requirements.

October is Healthy Lung Month***

Lung disease affects a huge number of Americans. Around 10 million are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis each year, 25 million are believed to be living with asthma, and over 150,000 die from lung cancer annually. Our lungs are important and Healthy Lung Month is an opportunity to create awareness around healthy lifestyle choices. With COVID-19, it is extremely important to be current on all vaccinations and provider appointments for proper monitoring.

CMS Appendix PP: In the Know****

Disposition of Medications:

It is required that the facility have policy and procedures in place addressing the disposition of medications. These policies should include:

• Timely identification and removal of medications for disposition from current supply;
• Identification of storage method for medications awaiting final disposition;
• Control and accountability of medications awaiting final disposition consistent with standards of practice;
• Documentation of disposition of medications with detailed information; and
• Method of disposition should prevent diversion and/or accidental exposure and is consistent with applicable state and federal requirements, local ordinances, and standards of practice;

1. * cdc.gov
2. **cdc.gov
3. *** nationaltoday.com
4. **** KDADs, Appendix PP, page 459