Battling the Quad-Demic

Welcome back to this week's edition of the weekly fill! We're bringing you the latest pharmacy trends with some fun updates about life at ShiftRx

Quick highlight: Benzo, our office cat, is back! He’s temporarily reunited with us, and you’d think he never left. He’s settled back in like he owns the place. You can find him lounging around on the couches and keeping away the rats (ish).

The weekly fill is your go-to for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, owners, operators, managers, etc. Basically, if you're in pharmacy, this newsletter is for you. So share it with 10 pharmacy friends, or risk five years of bad luck (we're not kidding) 😊

💊 The big fill this week: Navigating COVID, the flu, RSV, and Norovirus

What's happening?

It’s that time of year again, and we're facing a "quad-demic" (trust, I didn’t know this could be a thing either) with COVID-19, the flu, RSV, and norovirus cases all rising. Health experts are preparing for higher hospitalization rates and longer seasons for these illnesses. The CDC and other health organizations are working on ways to minimize impacts and improve patient care.

Quick doses:

• Experts are warning that flu and COVID-19 cases are spiking earlier than usual, with RSV and norovirus cases also showing a rise, putting lots of pressure on hospitals and clinics

• A Forbes article talked about how these illnesses overlap, stressing that increased patient volume is pushing the limits of the capacity of the healthcare system

• Dr. Scott Gottlieb recently talked about the challenges of these viruses and the steps being taken to reduce the spread in this CNBC interview.

What this means for you: For pharmacies, managing increased patient demands for vaccines, testing, and treatments is a top priority. Keeping up with the demand for flu shots, COVID testing, norovirus prevention, and RSV-related medications can be a challenge, but also an opportunity for better patient outcomes.

If you want to learn more: Check out this article

Pharmacy trends

How pharmacies are adjusting to the quad-demic pressure

TLDR: How pharmacists are managing what some might call "flu season on steroids”

With the surge in multiple viruses, pharmacies are playing a huge role in community health. From testing to vaccinations, pharmacists are at the front line in managing this season’s viral infections.

Quick doses:

• Many pharmacies are reporting increased demand for flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, with some even offering RSV-specific vaccinations to help manage the spread

• Some chains are starting to offer in-store rapid testing for multiple viruses, including flu and RSV, making it easier for patients to get tested for multiple sicknesses at once

Why it matters

With the rising demand and overlapping viral seasons, pharmacies are key in keeping patients safe and well-informed. From managing the inventory of vaccines or offering rapid testing, pharmacies are stepping up in every way possible.

Want to learn more about this? Read here about how the quad-demic is affecting healthcare.

ShiftRx announcement

We have moved into full-time roles, in addition to the PRN marketplace and helping you build out a reliable float pool. We have a careers hub featuring a job board so if you’re a pharmacist or tech looking for your next career move — this is a must to check out. Get started here: https://www.shiftrx.io/pharmacy-professionals

And if you’re managing pharmacy operations: post your open roles on our job board and get direct access to only pharmacists and technicians instead of spending time on Indeed or LinkedIn, and sifting through tons of resumes. Get started building your pharmacy dream team here: https://www.shiftrx.io/healthcare-facilities

🗞 Quick Scripts: Other Industry News

• J&J’s new biosimilar targets conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s, offering a more affordable alternative. This could change the biologics market and improve patient access to treatment. Read more

• NVIDIA has partnered with IQVIA, Illumina, and Mayo Clinic to use AI to speed up drug development and change precision medicine. This collaboration could change the healthcare landscape and streamline treatments. Read more

• Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, is all in on mRNA technology, with plans to use it for cancer treatments next. After COVID vaccines, mRNA holds a lot of potential for other diseases, and Pfizer is at the front of this breakthrough. Read more

🌟Pharma Spotlight

Each week, we highlight pharmacy professionals and industry leaders who are making a real impact. This is our way of celebrating the work and dedication of professionals who drive pharmacy forward.

Our Pharma Spotlight this week is Alexis Nerenberg, a second-year pharmacy student (P2) at The University of Texas College of Pharmacy. Originally from New Jersey, she relocated to Texas approximately four years ago to pursue her academic journey. She chose the six-year pathway, completing two years of prerequisite coursework at The University of Texas before matriculating into the College of Pharmacy. Her anticipated graduation date is May 2027!

What area of pharmacy practice are you most interested in pursuing after graduation, and what inspired you to explore that specific field?

“Currently, I am interested in the industry side of pharmaceuticals. I am passionate about this aspect of pharmacy because it offers the opportunity to enhance patient care on a global scale. Through my exposure to the pharmaceutical industry through the Industry Pharmacists Organization, I have developed a deeper passion for the field, driven through my interactions with alumni and overall exposure to the different positions within the industry.”

What advice would you give to someone considering pharmacy school, especially regarding preparing for the application process and adjusting to the demands of the program?

“My greatest advice for anyone considering pharmacy school is to know your "why." Pharmacy school is both rigorous and time-intensive, and without a clear passion for the field, staying motivated can be significantly more challenging. A strong sense of purpose for what you're learning, coupled with a compelling motivating factor—your "why"—not only makes the journey manageable but also rewarding.”

What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of your journey so far, and how do you manage to stay motivated throughout the difficult curriculum?

“The most challenging part of my journey so far has been adjusting to the demanding course load during my P1 year. Transitioning directly from undergraduate to professional classes was a significant shift, as the expectations were much higher. However, by building strong friendships within my class and seeking help when needed, I was able to adapt to the program’s rigor.

The most rewarding moment of my journey thus far was receiving my white coat. Although it marks only the beginning of my path through pharmacy school, wearing that coat for the first time felt like a milestone, affirming that I had reached the place I had always aspired to be. My motivation to navigate the challenging coursework stems largely from the "why" I identified when applying to pharmacy school, as well as the incredible support from my classmates. Being a part of a supportive and collaborative class has been instrumental in keeping me motivated, as we all progress together and offer each other encouragement during challenging times.”

That’s it for today’s fill!

Stay tuned for next week’s issue. If you enjoyed this, please share it with your pharmacy friends. Until then, keep filling those scripts 🫡

Doses and mimosas, ShiftRx team

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