Is your pharmacy ready for the back-to-school rush?

In this article:

• When is back-to-school season?
• Preparing your pharmacy
• The bottom line

In this article

• When is back-to-school season?
• Preparing your pharmacy
• The bottom line

Back-to-school season can be hectic for a lot of retail pharmacists. Kids need updated vaccinations, ADHD medications (which might’ve been on pause over summer) are back in play, and families often stock up on wellness supplies. But it’s not just about ordering more inventory. You’ve got to think about how your store’s set up and when you might need extra help. Find out how to prep your store so you can help your community even more during this busy time.

When is back-to-school season? 

Back-to-school season usually runs from mid-July through early September in most of the U.S., but it’s not the same everywhere. Southern states tend to start earlier, with lots of schools opening up mid to late August. Northern states often wait until after Labor Day in early September. 

The prep period for families actually starts even sooner. Many parents are out shopping for school supplies and booking appointments over the summer. That gives pharmacists a bigger window to prepare their stores and make sure shelves are stocked.

7 ways to prepare your pharmacy

Getting ready for back-to-school means more than just filling up the shelves. You’ll want to be ready for crazy vaccine schedules and make sure the whole operation is well-oiled during this busy stretch.

1. Stock up on front-end products

When we say essentials, we’re not just talking about pencils and notebooks. Things like hand sanitizer, tissues, and thermometers can go fast once families start shopping, so it could be a good idea to have enough of those on hand. 

Other things that might be worth putting front and center include:

• Children’s multivitamins
• OTC allergy medications like loratadine and cetirizine
• Pain relievers and fever reducers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Lice treatments

Try setting up a spot just for first-aid supplies. Bandages, antibiotic ointments, and instant cold packs are always sought by parents who want to be ready for playground accidents and sports bruises.

You can also think about bundling stuff into wellness kits for different groups. Teacher appreciation bundles that include throat lozenges and immune support vitamins can be a thoughtful gesture. College student kits with energy drinks and stress-relief products can go over well, too.

2. Get ready for the vaccine rush

School vaccine requirements can often spike demand for pharmacy immunizations. You might want to check your state’s requirements and get your orders in before August comes around.

School-required vaccines are different everywhere, but you’ll usually see the following:

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Varicella (chickenpox) 

Although flu shots aren’t technically part of back-to-school season, parents often want to check that box while they’re already at the pharmacy. However, you might want to advise waiting until September or October for protection that lasts until the end of peak flu season, or around February. 

You might also want to open more appointment slots for immunizations, especially on weekends and evenings when working parents can actually get their kids in. Make sure your whole staff knows the vaccine requirements and how to schedule appointments. When parents call, your team should be able to answer right away without guessing.

3. Be a resource for the community

Pharmacists are in a place to step up as health experts during the back-to-school season. Parents often have questions about countless things, from classroom germs to medication routines. 

You can educate and remind parents about when to keep kids home, handwashing tips, and what symptoms to watch for when it comes to strep throat and pink eye. You might also want to remind parents with a quick chat or educational pamphlet about illnesses that can spread fast in schools, such as stomach bugs, flu, RSV, and other respiratory infections. 

Another potential idea is to partner up with local schools, daycares, and parent groups for health screenings or vaccine clinics. Community partnerships can help you reach people who might not otherwise stop by.

4. Familiarize yourself with available pediatric medication flavors

Getting kids to take their medicine can be a battle, especially if it tastes bad. That’s why it helps to know which flavors you have on hand for pediatric prescriptions. Whether it’s bubblegum, grape, or cherry, most pharmacies carry a few options, although not every flavor is always available. 

If you offer custom flavoring, like FLAVORx, make sure families know that the pharmacy offers it. You might mention it quickly at pickup or hang a small sign near the register. It could end up being a convenient fix for parents who are already managing a stubborn and sick child.

5. Keep things running smoothly behind the counter

Pharmacy workflows can get out of hand during back-to-school season. With last-minute prescriptions and higher traffic at the counter, this time of year can be stressful on your staff and inventory. 

• ADHD medications: ADHD medications, in particular, can be a headache because a lot of kids take a drug holiday over summer. Review your controlled substance order history, especially for high-demand ones like Adderall (amphetamine salts), Ritalin (methylphenidate), and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). If you anticipate shortages, reach out to prescribers early.
• Antibiotics: Once kids are back indoors, you might see more scripts for common bugs like strep throat and ear infections. Make sure you’ve got enough inventory and a fast workflow for filling these quickly.
• Workflow changes: Look at last year’s trends and consider adding tech coverage during peak after-school hours. Make sure staff are trained to manage insurance issues, prior authorizations, and parent questions without slowing down the line.

The right back-end operation can keep the pharmacy running smoothly during the back-to-school season. Once the foot traffic starts picking up, you’ll be prepared for both the expected and unexpected. 

6. Take care of your technicians

The amount of prescriptions, vaccines, and customer interactions can get overwhelming for pharmacy technicians. Therefore, you’ll want to watch out for them to ensure they’re getting the support they need.

Helping out your team isn’t always straightforward. Being there for your team might mean having good overlap during shift changes, being flexible with time off requests, or simply just bringing in snacks one day. You’ll want to make sure everyone’s cross-trained so no one feels stuck when things get busy. All of these things can help keep morale high during stressful times. 

7. Offer extra support to high-need patients

Some families may have more on their plates during back-to-school season. Pharmacists can offer a helping hand in different ways, depending on the situation. 

Kids with chronic conditions

Children with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or severe allergies often need backup medications and clear emergency plans. You can help families prepare for school by reminding them about extra inhalers, glucose tablets, or EpiPens and walking them through how to make an action plan for the nurse or teacher.

Children with special needs 

These families may need help juggling medication routines and communicating with schools. Take a moment to explain dosing clearly, review side effects, and offer printouts as needed. If you offer medication synchronization, let them know, as it may help simplify their routine.

Children from families who need financial support

Many families struggle with medication costs during the back-to-school season. Remind parents about lower-cost generics, savings cards, or patient assistance programs. For example, you might offer a printed resource list when insurance doesn’t cover everything.

Kids needing community resources

Many children live with mental health problems, learning disabilities, or ongoing medical conditions. You might want to brush up on local services or online support groups that are available. It can be a huge relief for families when they have options on where to turn. 

The bottom line: A little planning goes a long way

Back-to-school season can be one of the busiest times for pharmacies. Between the rush for vaccines, an increase in foot traffic, and some kids restarting ADHD meds, there’s a lot to handle. However, you can keep things running smoothly with a little planning, such as adjusting your workflow and stocking up on the right meds. More importantly, you’ll be there for your community when they might need it the most.