"Drugstore Dilemma: Pharmacist Shortages and Overwhelming Workloads Threaten Busy Season"

Pharmacies are facing challenges as they head into their busiest season, with shortages of pharmacists and staff, heavy workloads, and ongoing drug shortages. Many drugstores, particularly large chains, are struggling to recruit enough workers, leading to thin staffing and increased stress for pharmacists. Customers have noticed the impact, with concerns about medication errors and stressed-out pharmacists. Some drugstores have taken steps to address the challenges by adding employees during busy hours, but the overall shortage persists. In addition to the usual demand for flu and pneumonia vaccines, pharmacies are now administering COVID-19 shots and a new vaccine for RSV. Customers can help by bringing all insurance cards to appointments, avoiding peak times, making appointments for vaccines, and calling in prescription refills in advance.