Coronavirus News Roundup: Majority of Pharmacists Confident in Vaccine, Pharmacy Associations Urge Biden to Expand Vaccination Workforce

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the United States continue to surge, with a weekly average of 185,000 daily cases and an estimated 120,000 COVID-19–related hospitalizations as of January 21, according to The COVID Tracking Project.

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

Study: Blood Pressure Medications Safe for Patients With COVID-19

A recent study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers reported no risk for patients continuing their blood pressure medications while hospitalized with COVID-19.

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Study: Patients Report Worse Migraine Symptoms During COVID-19 Pandemic

Patients with migraines had a much worse experience during COVID-19, according to recent research.

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Survey: Majority of Pharmacists Confident in COVID-19 Vaccine

The vast majority of pharmacists plan to or have received a COVID-19 vaccine, according to a survey of 570 pharmacists conducted last week by the American Pharmacists Association.

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Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants: What You Need to Know

In its next live webinar event, MJH Life Sciences™ COVID-19 Coalition will explore emerging mutations of SARS-CoV-2.

Register for the webinar.

Expand Pharmacy Scope of Practice to Speed Up COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

Drug Topics® interviews Naomi Lopez, director of healthcare policy at the Goldwater Institute, focusing on expanding scope of practice and COVID-19 vaccine candidates already being used in other countries.

Watch the interview.

ASHP Urges Biden to Use Federal Resources, Expand Workforce for COVID-19 Vaccinations

In a letter sent on Tuesday, ASHP urged President Joe Biden to use federal resources from the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to activate mass vaccination sites for COVID-19.

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ISMP Offers Safe Practice Recommendations to Reduce COVID-19 Vaccine Errors

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) provided safe practice recommendations for the administration of new COVID-19 vaccines following numerous reports of errors or hazards.

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APhA: Biden’s Plan to Combat COVID-19 Is a ‘Strong Start’

President-elect Joe Biden revealed his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 proposal, which urges the need for more robust vaccination efforts.

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