CHS Pharmacy News
August 2024
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
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Use NIAM as an opportunity to access CDC educational resources like the #HowIRecommend Video Series, which offers simple and practical guidance for having successful vaccine conversations with parents and patients. These short videos demonstrate how to make effective vaccine recommendations, address common vaccine questions, and take a team-based approach to vaccination*.
The CDC advises getting a flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are circulating, but the optimal time for most individuals is September and October. It is generally not recommended to get vaccinated in July and August. For adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, vaccination in July and August should be avoided unless they are unable to receive the vaccine in September or October**.
Hazardous Drug Exposures***
“Pressure Ulcer”- A pressure ulcer is any lesion caused by unrelieved pressure that results in damage to the underlying tissue(s). Although friction and shear are not primary causes of pressure ulcers, friction and shear are important contributing factors to the development of pressure ulcers.
Returnable Medications
Certain types of medication cannot be returned to the pharmacy for credit once opened, as they are intended for single-person use. These include inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments, liquids, and insulins. It is advisable to have the physician sign an order permitting the resident to take these medications with them upon discharge, provided the order is still active and appropriate.
Other medications, such as controlled substances and those classified as hazardous, must be destroyed at the nursing facility if they cannot be ordered for the patient to take upon discharge.
Reordering – Stock & Control Meds
It is encouraged to reorder stock supplies and controlled medications Monday through Thursday from the pharmacy to reduce the likelihood of the facility running extremely low on an item during the weekend. Additionally, be mindful of special holidays as providers may be unavailable for emergent requests.
August Trivia****
- August has _____ days?
- What are the birthstones for August?
- What is the birth flower for August?
- Who was the month of August named after?
- What Alamo hero was born on the 17th of August, 1786?
August Trivia Answers
- 31
- Peridot and Sardonyx
- Gladiola
- Augustus – A Roman Emperor
- Davy Crockett
- * cdc.gov
- ** cdc.gov
- ***KDADs, Appendix PP, pg 231
- ****triviaquestionsfor.com