How to support your community before the holidays

Pharmacists can help patients get ready for a busy season ahead

By Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D. | Nov. 10, 2022

As a pharmacist, you know how busy it gets during the holidays in the pharmacy—and anywhere else for that matter. Patients may be picking up prescriptions while grabbing last-minute decorations, cookware, and gifts during the holidays. Or, they might be stocking up on OTC treatments for typical holiday ailments, such as common cold symptoms, indigestion, or allergies.

Whatever the case may be, pharmacists can play a crucial role in supporting the community during the holidays. Continue reading to learn about different ways you can support your community as the holiday season rolls in.

7 ways to support your community during the holidays

Pharmacists are key players in dispensing medications and counseling patients about their health concerns. While you can help promote the health and wellness of your patients, you can also make an impact on your patients on a personal level.

1. Recommend yearly flu shots

One way pharmacists can support the health of patients before the holidays is recommending a yearly flu shot. Ideally, patients should get the flu vaccine before the end of October to be ready for peak flu season in February. Patients aged 65 and older, in particular, are at risk of complications from the flu. In addition, certain children who get the shot may need two doses. As flu shots are generally covered for free, there shouldn’t be too many barriers for patients to get the shot.

2. Encourage filling prescriptions before travel

Many patients will be deep in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, with many preparing to leave town to visit family and friends. If you know that your patients will be traveling, encourage them to fill their prescriptions beforehand. Some patients will forget to fill their prescriptions, so it’s best to give a gentle reminder. Most insurance companies will allow patients to fill their prescriptions early for special circumstances, such as vacations. Also, if your pharmacy has specific holiday hours, you can remind your patients so that they can be prepared ahead of time.

3. Organize a health screening or holiday-inspired event

Another way to support the community during the holidays is to organize a health screening event. Patients could benefit from a blood pressure or glucose screening event, which could open the conversation on how patients are doing on their medications. You could even make the event holiday-themed to make things more enticing.

4. Remind patients about MTM visits

The final months of the year can be a good time to promote MTM sessions with patients. Remind eligible patients that they can arrange a meeting to go over their medications free of charge once per year. Patients may feel a sense of urgency to attend an MTM visit as the year comes to a close, especially if they haven’t done so already. Patients may need help navigating their medications, especially if they have multiple chronic conditions.

5. Hold a gift or canned food drive

Holding a canned food or gift drive is a great way to support your community during the holidays. It shows you care about your community and those who may be struggling during this festive time. Contact a local food bank or pantry to see how you can help them meet their needs. A local food bank can help arrange the event and coordinate logistics. Then, you can promote the drive at your pharmacy and help track the results.

6. Participate in an event for a good cause

If there is an event happening in your community, such as a 5K run, you can make it a work outing, while supporting your community. Participating in the Turkey Trot, for example, can also be something you accomplish with the pharmacy team to build morale and get into the holiday spirit. In addition, local events generally donate to a specific charity throughout the holiday season.

7. Listen or lend a helping hand

For some patients, the holiday season can be difficult and depressing if they are unable to see friends or don’t have family to spend time with. During this time, you can support these patients by encouraging healthy medication, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Some doctor’s offices may close for the holidays, leaving many patients to turn to their pharmacist for medical advice. Counsel patients about their health and medications as needed, and remember, many patients may need tailored advice based on their health condition and individual needs. In addition, going the extra mile can mean a lot for these patients. If, for example, you’ve run into a medication inventory issue, be proactive in helping the patient get the care they need, possibly by referring them to a different nearby pharmacy.

Pharmacies are essential during the holiday season

Many patients may seek out their pharmacist before their doctor due to convenience and accessibility during the holiday season. With the holiday season coming around, patients can benefit from the support of their pharmacy team. Hopefully, this post gave you some ideas on how to be there for your community during the holidays.