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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Alexandria, Va. – Today the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) applauded the interim final rule released by the Department of Defense authorizing retail pharmacies to administer the H1N1 vaccine, seasonal influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine to TRICARE patients. NACDS and member companies have worked closely with the Department over the last several years in the development of the rule. In addition to recognizing pharmacies as providers, copayments will be waived for TRICARE beneficiaries who obtain these vaccinations from a network pharmacy.
“We commend the Department of Defense for issuing this interim final rule that will help TRICARE beneficiaries receive these critical immunizations. The nation’s service men and women, retirees and their families deserve the option of utilizing their local retail pharmacy to access these and other pharmacy services to help improve their health,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.
“As a convenient and accessible healthcare provider, pharmacy is uniquely positioned to offer services for patients, such as vaccinations. As of earlier this year, pharmacists now have the ability in all 50 states to immunize patients, which presents an important opportunity for pharmacists to counsel patients during their visit, and an additional healthcare provider from which to obtain these vaccinations.
“With the flu season upon us, it is important to help patients stay as healthy as possible. And for TRICARE patients, this ruling provides them the ability to access their neighborhood pharmacy to receive these vaccinations.”
The interim final rule is effective today, December 10, 2009, but comments on the rule will be accepted until February 8, 2010.
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) represents 154 traditional drug stores, supermarkets, and mass merchants with pharmacies – from regional chains with four stores to national companies. NACDS members also include more than 900 pharmacy and front-end suppliers, and over 70 international members from 24 countries. Chains operate 37,000 pharmacies, and employ more than 2.5 million employees, including 118,000 full-time pharmacists. They fill more than 2.5 billion prescriptions annually, which is more than 72 percent of annual prescriptions in the United States. The total economic impact of all retail stores with pharmacies transcends their $815 billion in annual sales. Every $1 spent in these stores creates a ripple effect of $3.82 in other industries, for a total economic impact of $3.11 trillion, equal to 26 percent of GDP. For more information about NACDS, visit www.NACDS.org.
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