Drugstores across the US are struggling to cope as low staffing levels combine with surging vaccine demand, a report says

COVID-19 vaccines are being offered in many drugstores across the US.

Frederic Brown/AFP via Getty Images

• US drugstores are being severely affected by the labor shortage, per AP.
• Low staffing levels have been reported, as demand for COVID-19 vaccines surges. 
• The situation has left remaining workers feeling burned out in the wake of the Omicron variant.

US drugstores are struggling to cope as surging vaccine demand is being met with staff shortages, AP reported. 

Theresa Tolle, an independent pharmacist, told AP she has witnessed COVID-19 vaccine demand quadruple since the summer, at her Florida store. "There's crazy increased demand on pharmacies right now," she said.

It's not unusual for drugstores to be busy at this time of year, as AP reported. But a renewed vaccination drive and demand for COVID-19 tests in the wake of the Omicron variant is likely piling on the pressure.

Supply chain issues may also be making life difficult for drugstore workers. On its website, the FDA noted that it was monitoring drug shortages. A statement read: "The Drug Shortage Staff within the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) has asked manufacturers to evaluate their entire supply chain."

This included active pharmaceutical ingredients, finished dose forms, and any components that may be impacted in any area of the supply chain due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it added. 

The labor shortage, however, is leading to drugstore closures and shorter opening hours, per AP.

According to the outlet, a CVS Health store in Indianapolis shut in the mid-afternoon on Thursday due to staff shortages.

Insider's Allana Akhtar recently reported that the labor shortage is creating longer COVID-19 vaccine wait times at CVS and Walgreens, too. Patients are reportedly waiting weeks to get a vaccine at the drugstores. 

Foodservice providers, retailers, and the trucking industry are dealing with many of the same staffing issues as pharmacies.

Recently, the co-founder of a San Francisco pizza chain said he received no applications for an assistant manager, despite raising the salary to $70,000.

 

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