Pharmacy COVID-19 test demand surges due to spreading new variants.
Major U.S. Pharmacy Chains Experience Surge in COVID-19 Test Kit Sales
Major U.S. pharmacy chains are currently facing a surge in sales of COVID-19 rapid test kits due to the increasing number of cases and hospitalizations. This surge has raised concerns about potential shortages of these essential products.
“We are seeing greater demand in this category nationwide, which may cause temporary and isolated shortages,”
a spokesperson for Walgreens told the Washington Examiner.
The representative also mentioned that in-pharmacy PCR testing for COVID-19 has increased by 104% from July 15 to Aug. 15.
CVS Pharmacy Responds to Increased Demand
A spokesperson for CVS Pharmacy also confirmed the rise in demand for COVID-19 testing. They stated that their stores have recently experienced a slight uptick in requests for point-of-care testing and purchases of at-home test kits. However, they assured customers that they have ample supply to meet their testing needs both in-store, in-clinic, and online at CVS.com.
Rite Aid Reports Significant Increase in Test Kit Sales
Rite Aid, another prominent pharmacy chain, has seen a notable 34% increase in sales of COVID-19 test kits in the past week, according to their confirmation to the Washington Examiner.
Despite these developments, various manufacturers of at-home COVID-19 rapid test kits, such as Abbott and Siemens, did not provide any comments to the Washington Examiner regarding the situation.
Experts Believe the U.S. is Better Prepared
While hospitalization rates continue to rise and discussions about mask mandates resurface, experts suggest that the United States is better equipped to handle the situation compared to the peak of the pandemic.
Mandy Cohen, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expressed optimism about the current situation. She highlighted the progress made in terms of immunity, vaccines, effective treatments, and preventive measures like hand hygiene and staying away from sick individuals.
Cohen also mentioned that the CDC is closely monitoring the newly circulating BA 8.26 variant and the EG.5 variant, nicknamed Eris. She emphasized the agency’s commitment to understanding these variants and their potential impact on disease severity and vaccine effectiveness.
President Biden Considers Booster Shots
President Joe Biden tentatively suggested the need for additional COVID-19 booster shots in response to the BA 8.26 and EG.5 variants. He plans to propose a request for additional funding for the development of a new vaccine to Congress.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing the vaccines recommended by its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. These new vaccines, expected to be available in September, are anticipated to provide protection against the most severe forms of the currently circulating strains.
Pharmacies Prepare for Vaccination Uptick
Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and Rite Aid have reported an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations even before the availability of the newest vaccines. These pharmacy chains are actively preparing to offer the latest vaccine once it becomes available next month.
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