The FDA has authorized a diagnostic test for both COVID-19 and influenza A and B using patient-collected samples. Patients can collect samples from the comfort of their homes and ship it to a Quest Diagnostics laboratory. Currently, the tests require a prescription from a provider.

Thinking about offering the Covid vaccine at your pharmacy? NCPA is hosting a webinar that will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to ensure a successful implementation at your pharmacy. On-staff experts will review workflow tips, billing and operational considerations, and discuss the anticipated timeline of Operation Warp Speed. The live webinar will take place Thursday, December 10th at 7 PM CST. Click the button below to register.

LaPharmacy in New Orleans, LA is a PioneerRx pharmacy that was visited by Admiral Brett Giroir, the Assistant Secretary for Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Giroir and owners Robin and Stacey LaBorde discussed the poor pharmacy reimbursement model for COVID-19 tests and the role of local community pharmacies in the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorization (EAU) for an at-home saliva-based COVID-19 test from Wheeler Labs. This test will be distributed to more than 1,200 independent pharmacies by Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma (PPOK). The retail cost is $130 and can be requested at a patient’s local pharmacy. Patients take the test kit home to collect a sample and mail that sample in a pre-paid package to Wheeler Labs’ facility in Oklahoma City. Results are available in 24 – 48 hours upon arriving at the lab.