Coronavirus News Roundup: Free Webinar on COVID-19 Vaccine Progress, Americans With Diabetes Struggle with Medical Costs

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected an estimated 17,334,539 individuals worldwide, and approximately 4.5 million Americans. The latest COVID-19 related news includes pharmacy groups urging for more pharmacy-centered assistance during the pandemic, the American Pharmacist Association emphasizing the need for masks and social distancing, and the increased struggle for individuals with diabetes to access care during the pandemic.

Here’s a roundup of the latest coronavirus-related news:

MJH Life Sciences to Offer Free Webinar on COVID-19 Vaccine Progress

Experts examined the prospects of several COVID-19 vaccine candidates that are entering phase 3 trials.

MJH Life Sciences™ offered a free webinar covering potential vaccines for COVID-19 on July 30 at 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EST).

Read more

Pharmacy Groups: DIR Fee Reform Needed in Drug Pricing Executive Order

NACDS, APhA, NCPA, and others warn that overlooking DIR fee reform will be detrimental to pharmacy viability.

President Trump recently signed 4 executive orders on drug pricing, directing the Secretary of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar to take action to lower costs for patients on prescription drugs.

Read more

APhA Urges American Public to Wear Masks, Keep Social Distancing

In an open letter, the American Pharmacist Association’s (APhA) Board of Trustees called for Americans to continue following public health guidelines.

As a result of the increasing numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, APhA’s Board of Trustees is urging Americans to wash their hands often, wear face coverings, and avoid close contact through social distancing.

Read more

Americans with Diabetes Struggle with Medical Costs During Pandemic

Unemployment rates compounded with high medical costs plague the diabetes community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created significant financial challenges for individuals in the United States, with many experiencing unemployment and high medical costs.

Read more

Pharmacy Groups Push for Pharmacy-Centered Assistance in HEALS Act

Several pharmacy organizations have stressed that the next coronavirus economic relief package should include provisions directed toward pharmacies.

Although pharmacy organizations praised several provisions within the first version of the upcoming coronavirus economic relief package, they also found that essential pharmacy-related elements were missing.

Read more

Part 2: NACDS Discusses NY Law Allowing Pharmacy-Provided COVID-19 Vaccinations

In part 2 of our interview, Kathleen Jaeger, NACDS senior vice president of pharmacy care and patient advocacy, offers key insights on a recent New York law that allows pharmacists to administer a COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available.

Watch the interview

APhA Pushes for Pharmacist Provider Status to Expand COVID-19 Testing

APhA urged Congress to take immediate action to expand COVID-19 testing services by granting pharmacists temporary provider status.

Read more

Episode 6: High Risk: Diabetes and COVID-19

In this episode of Over the Counter, 2 experts on diabetes management and care discuss the effect COVID-19 is having on individuals with diabetes and the ways that the health care system is responding.

Listen to the podcast

UMass Memorial Provides Model for Curbside Medication Delivery

An inside look at the process from prescription to dispensing.

Since Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts issued a stay-at-home advisory in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UMass Memorial Health Care in Worcester, Massachusetts, has dispensed more than 5000 medications to patients and employees using its curbside prescription service.

Read more