Pharmacists are medical professionals working the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next several months, delays or supply issues may or have already begun to occur in several pharmaceutical categories including antibiotics, inhalers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves. Utilizing secondary wholesalers and auto-ship backorder procedures from primary wholesalers are key to staying stocked and receiving product as soon as it’s available.
Pharmacists are already a trusted source for immunizations such as influenza, shingles, and pneumonia. Now is the time to ensure you are promoting and providing all available immunizations allowed. If you are not yet certified to administer immunizations, now is the time.
Point of Care testing is also at the front of patients and pharmacists lines. COVID-19 tests as well as other POC tests such as Flu, Strep, and UTI are an additional revenue stream that will also help in fighting and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Make sure that pharmacies and pharmacists are CLIA certified to administer POC tests during and after Emergency proclamations. As these tests come out, Pharmacists’ role as front-line responders will be put to the test. Don’t be left behind.
Hand Sanitizer
Production should currently be caught up, however economy brand and dollar HST will no longer be available in 2020. Dollar hand sanitizer will be mainstream priced, until the price of raw materials declines. The VMC team expects a 30 percent increase in sales for the remainder of the year, as utilization of hand sanitizer will become a daily household and work practice. Novelty personal sized hand sanitizer (1-2 ounces) haven become a hot sale item as people keep product in their cars, office, purses, etc.
PPE Masks
As the wearing of masks becomes a daily routine when out shopping or at work, we will continue to see tremendous sales in this category. Surgical style 3-ply disposable will be the short term solution, until production of washable, cloth, respirator mask production ramps up to meet demand. Masks will have a selling seasons that is 12 months long, with spikes in January and October. Designer masks, in custom patterns, designs and logo branding will become a strong item for fourth quarter sale this year.
