CHS Pharmacy News 

October 2021

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

COVID Vaccine Updates*

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

Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

CDC Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 recommendations:

• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

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;

Medication Update: Albuterol Inhalers

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.

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