Vaccine Rollout Hard on Pharmacists

Monday, March 15th, 2021 -- 11:11 AM

(WMTV) The vaccine rollout continues through March, and as the criteria gradually broadens for vaccine eligibility, more and more effort is put forth by those administering the shots.

For family pharmacies across the Madison area, the push to get the COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of Wisconsinites is a grueling one. Despite additional staff and volunteers, pharmacists still work hundreds of hours in overtime, only to go home and continue the work.

For every shot, a pharmacist must complete paperwork with the state and the patient’s insurance company. Vaccines administered must be reported to the state within 24 hours.

Appointments need to be made and then rescheduled when vaccine shipments arrive with fewer doses than what was ordered.  Vaccine questions are another problem, as local pharmacies are flooded with residents asking about appointments, the criteria to be vaccine eligible, and the vaccine itself. 

All this, on top of the important work of filling prescriptions for the community.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.