Following state guidelines, CVS and Walgreens are implementing changes to their COVID-19 vaccine offerings, which now require a prescription or are unavailable in certain states. The FDA has approved vaccines for seniors and younger individuals with health conditions, leading to these adjustments. CVS has specified states where vaccines are available without a prescription and those where a prescription is needed based on patient age. Walgreens has announced its preparedness to offer vaccines in accordance with the recent FDA approval.
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Walgreens will pay up to $350 million to settle a Department of Justice lawsuit alleging the company illegally filled millions of opioid and other controlled substance prescriptions between 2012 and 2023. The settlement includes a minimum payment of $300 million, with an additional $50 million contingent on a company sale or merger before 2032. The government accused Walgreens of ignoring red flags indicating invalid prescriptions and pressuring pharmacists to fill them rapidly, ultimately billing federal healthcare programs. Walgreens denies liability but will also implement improved compliance measures with the DEA and HHS.
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I have always been a fan of convenience when it comes to shopping, so hearing that Walgreens plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years has left me feeling a little conflicted. On one hand, I can understand the business decision behind it, especially given the various issues that have plagued the chain for years. From outdated technology in the pharmacy to constant outages and under-staffing, it’s no wonder that the company has been struggling to keep up.
I used to frequent Walgreens for my pharmacy needs, but over time, I started to notice the decline in quality of service.… Continue reading
As a former employee of Walgreens, the news of the company closing a significant number of its 8,600 US locations doesn’t come as a shock to me. During my time working there, I witnessed firsthand the decline in employee policies and overall work environment. The company’s decision to pay minimum wage, cut staffing, and eliminate bonuses for years of service all contributed to a hostile and unsustainable work culture. It’s no wonder that customers experienced long wait times, empty shelves, and a lack of stock at various Walgreens locations.
The market saturation of large corporate pharmacies like Walgreens has been a long-standing issue, with multiple drugstore type stores and grocery stores within close proximity to each other.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker