Florida health agency issues notice to providers following FDA decision on mifepristone
The Food and Drug Administration recently made a regulatory change, paving the way for the sale of mifepristone at retail pharmacies โ and executives at Walgreens and CVS have both said they plan to carry it where itโs permitted.
Judge: Walgreens contributed to San Francisco opioid crisis
A federal judge has ruled that Walgreens can be held responsible for contributing to San Franciscoโs opioid crisis for over-dispensing opioids for years without proper oversight and failing to identify and report suspicious orders as required by law.
Where will free N95 masks be available in Florida?
The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to U.S. residents starting next week, now that federal officials are emphasizing their better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings.
Jury in Elizabeth Holmes trial hears replay of her boasts
Jurors in the fraud trial of former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes returned to the courtroom Thursday to listen to a replay of audio recordings that captured her brash promises about a vaunted blood-testing technology the propelled her meteoric rise and scandalous downfall.
Target, CVS join chains making masks optional for fully vaccinated shoppers
Target, CVS, Winn-Dixie, Publix, Trader Joeโs, Costco, Samโs Club, Walmart and Starbucks have all announced theyโre dropping their requirements that fully vaccinated customers wear face coverings in their stories, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance issued Thursday.
Governors applaud Biden's vaccine timeline, but need supply
In Virginia, state vaccine coordinator Dr. Danny Avula said the state could hit Bidenโs goal earlier. But several governors cautioned it must come with a dramatic increase in vaccine supply. โIt could be a delay for people to actually get a vaccine because of the operational constraints," she said. We canโt disappoint people who eagerly want a vaccine,โ said Pat Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. Elsewhere, governors met Biden's goal with enthusiasm.
16 Walgreens pharmacies in Jacksonville to begin giving vaccinations
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville residents will have more options when it comes to getting the coronavirus vaccine this week after Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced that 16 Walgreens pharmacies in the city will begin administering shots. Previously, just 12 Walgreens stores in the state were offering the vaccine, but that will now expand to 97. AdAll three vaccines -- Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna -- will be offered at the stores. The site, located at the Southside Sports Complex on SW Bascom Norris Drive, will administer 1,000 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, DeSantis said.
The Latest: Kentucky urges Black citizens to get vaccinated
Jim Thurman counts himself among the converts who recognize the importance of taking a COVID-19 vaccine. AdHealth authorities say first-generation COVID-19 vaccines still protect against variants of the virus that are emerging in different parts of the world. AdIn a separate announcement, Moderna also said it plans to manufacture 700 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine globally this year, up from 600 million. Bosnia, a country of 3.3 million, expects 1.2 million vaccines through COVAX. On Wednesday, Ghana has become the first country to receive COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX.
COVID-19 vaccines coming soon to CVS, Walgreens, other pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, Samโs Club and Costco are among the big-name companies will soon join Publix in getting COVID-19 vaccines out into senior citizens and others who qualify for a shot. Walgreenโs website says the CDC is working with their pharmacies to optimize vaccine access in areas with a high social vulnerability index score. The number of participating pharmacies and the allocation of vaccines is expected to grow as drug makers increase production. It is allowing state and local governments to receive additional federal dollars to cover previously incurred expenses relating to the pandemic. Participating are major chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, big box stores such as Walmart and Costco, and supermarket pharmacies.
Anxiety grows as long-term care awaits COVID-19 vaccines
That includes both nursing homes, where residents get 24-hour-a-day medical care; assisted living facilities, where people generally need less help; and other types of group homes. In many places, home operators and residents' relatives have watched with frustration as states opened vaccine eligibility to other populations before the work in long-term care homes was finished. The government tasked CVS and Walgreens with administering the shots to long-term care locations in nearly every state. Severine Petras watched a COVID-19 outbreak develop at a Pennsylvania assisted living home her company operates a couple weeks before the first vaccines arrived. As of Sunday morning, 3.5 million doses have been given in long-term care facilities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Walgreens taps Starbucks exec Brewer as its new CEO
FILE - Starbucks COO Roz Brewer talks about the proposed redesign of a Starbucks store in New Jersey as she speaks Wednesday, March 20, 2019, during the company's annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. Walgreens has tapped Roz Brewer as its new CEO, which will make her the only Black woman currently leading a Fortune 500 company. Brewer will take over as Walgreens CEO on March 15, 2021 after a little more than three years as Starbucks' chief operating officer. At Starbucks, Brewer revamped stores, taking out clutter and cutting down on administrative work so employees could focus on customers and speed up service. Prior to joining Starbucks, Brewer served as president and CEO of Samโs Club, the members-only warehouse channel of Walmart Inc. She also grew membership and improved merchandise there.
St. Johns County to begin second doses of vaccine Tuesday
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. โ St. Johns County announced it will begin administering second dose COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval Street. Second dose vaccines will be administered by appointment only and have been allocated to those who received their first dose vaccination from St. Johns County or the Department of Health-St. Johns. More appointments for the first dose for Florida seniors age 65 and older and frontline health care workers will be made available when St. Johns County receives additional vaccines. For more information on St. Johns Countyโs COVID-19 vaccination program, please call the St. Johns County COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 904.295.3711 (dial all 10 digits), text SJCVACCINE to 888777, or visit www.sjcfl.us/coronavirusvaccinations. The 14 Publix store pharmacies in St. Johns County are also giving vaccines.
Latest round of vaccine appointments in St. Johns County fill up in about an hour
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. โ St. Johns County received an allotment of 1,950 Pfizer vaccines from the State of Florida this week and appointments filled up just over an hour after they were opened Thursday morning. All appointments were filled by 10:11 a.m., according to a text alert from the countyThe limited number of COVID-19 vaccines St. Johns County receives from the State of Florida determines appointment availability. More appointments will be opened when St. Johns County receives additional vaccines. Those who receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine through St. Johns County will leave with an appointment scheduled for the second dose. For updates regarding St. Johns Countyโs COVID-19 vaccination program, visit www.sjcfl.us/coronavirusvaccinations or text SJCVACCINE to 888777.
States will start getting COVID-19 vaccine Monday, US says
Trucks will roll out Sunday morning as shipping companies UPS and FedEx begin delivering Pfizerโs vaccine to nearly 150 distribution centers across the states, said Army Gen. Gustave Perna of Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administrationโs vaccine development program. Initially, about 3 million doses were expected to be shipped nationwide. Perna compared the vaccine distribution effort to D-Day, the U.S.-led military offensive that turned the tide in World War II. The vaccine was timed to arrive Monday so health workers could receive the shots and begin giving them, Perna said. The announcement came after revelations that the White House opted not to lock in an additional 100 million doses of Pfizerโs vaccine for delivery in the second quarter of 2021.
Vaccine rollout could ease crisis, but who gets it first?
In October, a panel advising the federal government suggested setting aside 10% of the vaccine supply to distribute as an extra boost to the states with greater shares of disadvantaged groups. Vulnerable people will face more rationing in states such as New Mexico that have higher shares of vulnerable people. The analysis shows 15 states and Washington, D.C., have the largest shares of vulnerable, low-income minorities. A federal set-aside is not the only way to get vaccine to vulnerable neighborhoods. In their vaccination plans, 18 states have said they will consider race and income as they map out vaccine distribution.
Amazon opens online pharmacy, shaking up another industry
The retail colossus opened an online pharmacy Tuesday that allows customers to order medication or prescription refills, and have them delivered to their front door in a couple of days. All have upped online services and touted their abilities to deliver prescriptions and other goods as the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more consumers to stay home. The company said its online pharmacy will offer commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., including creams, pills, as well as medications that need to stay refrigerated, like insulin. They can also get discounts at 50,000 physical pharmacies around the country at Costco, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and other stores. Two years ago, it spent $750 million to buy online pharmacy PillPack, which organizes medication in packets by what time and day they need to be taken.
Neptune Beach police: 1 sought in Walgreens armed robbery
NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. โ Officers are asking for the publicโs help to identify a person sought in an armed robbery Tuesday at a Walgreens, the Neptune Beach Police Department said. Police said the robbery happened around 4:15 p.m. at the store on Atlantic Boulevard at Third Street. Suspect from today's armed robbery in Neptune Beach. @wjxt4 https://t.co/jxCVo33i9n โ Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) October 21, 2020Anyone who recognizes the person pictured in the surveillance image released by the Police Department is asked to call the agency at 904-270-2413. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
President Trump touts vaccine partnership with pharmacies
FORT MYERS, Fla. โ Campaigning Friday in Fort Myers, President Donald Trump pledged to deliver a COVID-19 vaccine to many senior citizens free of charge through a partnership with two major pharmacy chains. The president also has said he would have vaccines available to the public by the Nov. 3 election. And even if vaccines were available, itโs not clear Americans, especially older ones, would get vaccinated. Trump, who also held a rally in Ocala, will likely be unable to win a second term if he loses the state. The news about the vaccine partnership also came as states were required to submit draft plans to the federal government about how they will distribute a coronavirus vaccine when one is approved for public use.
Feds planning now to get coronavirus shots to nursing homes
Under the voluntary program, trained staff from CVS and Walgreens would deliver the vaccines to each nursing home and administer shots. The nation has 15,000-16,000 nursing homes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The use of retail chain pharmacies has prompted some concerns, because nursing homes typically deal with specialized pharmacies and not the big drugstores catering to consumers. Mango said the plan would accommodate nursing homes that want to continue to work with specialized pharmacies. HHS Secretary Alex Azar said the program will โprovide convenient and free vaccination to residents of nursing homes across America.โ
Judge rejects pharmacy chains' bid to toss opioid suits
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)CLEVELAND Lawsuits filed by two Ohio counties against retail pharmacy chains claiming their opioid dispensing practices flooded communities with pain pills and were a a public nuisance can continue, a federal judge in Cleveland has determined. U.S. District Judge Dan Polster rejected the pharmacy chains' motion to dismiss the suits, ruling Thursday that the Ohio law does indeed apply to Lake and Trumbull counties' nuisance claims. Polster is overseeing more than 2,000 lawsuits filed by local governments, tribal authorities and others against companies they blame for fueling an opioid epidemic that has killed 430,000 people since 2000. The two northeast Ohio counties' lawsuits against CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart and Giant Eagle were the first to target retail pharmacy chains as both distributors and dispensers of painkillers. Those claims seek damages from the retail chains as distributors of painkillers but not as dispensers.
Walgreens lost $1.7B in 3Q as global pandemic tightened grip
Walgreens quarter ended May 31, encapsulating a three-month period in which consumer activity came to a screeching halt. Walgreens furloughed more than 16,000 employees at the peak of the pandemic in the United Kingdom. Sales at its Boots stores there dropped nearly 28% on a constant currency basis. Shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. slumped 9%, close to a new low for the year. The pandemic accelerated changes planned for its Boots stores, which includes closing optician locations and reducing staff at the U.K. support office.
Teenager shot in Walgreens parking lot
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Just before 5 p.m. Sunday the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office responded to calls of a person shot outside of a Walgreens on Lem Turner Road and Rowe Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a teenage boy suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Officers then made contact with the victims at the Walgreens, but the suspect fled the scene. News4Jax spoke with a clerk at the Walgreens who said staff didnt hear the gunfire, but noticed the flashing lights when police arrived. Detectives have not determined a motive, but anyone with further information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office at 904-630-0500 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS to remain anonymous.
How to get free or discounted prescription drugs during the coronavirus crisis
Talk with your local pharmacistDiPietro remembers the exact moment he decided to offer unemployed people in his community free prescriptions. Provide proof you lost your job, and co-owner Chris Antypas, Pharm.D., will give you a 90-day supply of most generic drugs free of charge. During the coronavirus crisis, it has offered a two-month supply to anyone in the local community who says they need it, says Aaron Broomall, executive director of Faith Community Pharmacy. To get free prescriptions, you need to show that your monthly expenses equal or exceed your monthly income, he says. Walmart has long featured a $4-per-month or $10-per-three-month program for hundreds of generic drugs.
KKR reportedly wants to buy Walgreens
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Walgreens reportedly wants to go private, and KKR is said to be interested in buying it. The acquisition would almost certainly be the largest private takeover in history. Shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance surged 6% in early trading Monday on the report. But a buyout by KKR could make sense: KKR already has done a deal with the top investor of Walgreens, when it took UK-based drugstore chain Alliance Boots private in 2007 for $22 billion. KKR worked with then Alliance Boots deputy chairman Stefano Pessina, who was the largest shareholder in Alliance Boots, on the deal.
Drug companies settle ahead of opioid crisis trial
Copyright 2019 CNN(CNN) - The "Big Three" U.S. drug distributors and a major drugmaker have reached a $260 million deal to settle a lawsuit ahead of a federal trial over the opioid crisis. Drugmaker Teva is to contribute $20 million in cash and $20 million worth of suboxone, a drug that treats opioid addiction, AP reported. Six drug companies accused in thousands of lawsuits over their role in the nation's opioid epidemic had been slated for a high-profile trial Monday. They included the three pharmaceutical distribution companies, a smaller distributor called Henry Schein Medical, generic drug company Teva Pharmaceuticals and pharmacy chain Walgreens, according to court documents. Failed talks Friday lasted more than 10 hours and took place between the four distribution companies' CEOs, attorneys general from Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas, and lawyers representing over 2,000 state, local and Native American tribal governments.
Drug companies fail to reach settlement ahead of opioid crisis trial
Copyright 2019 CNN(CNN) - Six drug companies accused in thousands of lawsuits over their role in the nation's opioid epidemic failed to reach a settlement with governments across the country, setting the stage for a high-profile trial Monday. There were talks earlier this week with five companies settling for potentially settling for $50 billion, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The companies proposed to pay a combined $18 billion over 18 years. Purdue Pharma previously reached a proposed settlement agreement in the litigation. The New York Times first reported news of a nearly $50 billion settlement.
Walgreens, Google affiliate to launch drone delivery test
Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesWalgreens and a Google affiliate are testing drone deliveries that can put drugstore products on customer doorsteps minutes after being ordered. Drone deliveries in the United States are still largely in early testing. Google announced in April that Wing received federal approval to make commercial drone deliveries. It marked the first time a company has gotten a federal drone delivery certification. Walgreens and Wing picked Christiansburg for their test because Wing has been working with nearby Virginia Tech on drone deliveries.
Walgreens asks customers not to openly carry guns in its stores
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Walgreens is asking customers to no longer openly carry guns into its stores in states where open carry is legal, the company announced Thursday. It joins fellow retailers Walmart and Kroger, which announced similar policies the day before. Watts said Moms Demand had been pushing Walmart and Kroger to stop allowing open carry since 2014, and Walgreens since 2015. Watts said that in addition to keeping employees and customers safer, asking customers not to openly carry guns in their stores puts these retailers on a new side of the gun debate. "Prohibiting open carry sends a very strong cultural signal that companies are siding with the safety of families," Watts said.
Florida Blue offering free flu shots in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Whether you have insurance or not, you can get a flu shot free of charge this fall through Florida Blue. To get a flu shot, stop by the Florida Blue at any of the three Jacksonville locations on select Thursdays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.You must be at least 18 years old to get a flu shot. Everyone getting a flu shot at the Florida Blue Center will receive a free $5 Walgreens gift card, while supplies last. Last year, 110 flu shot clinics were offered across the state with more than 3,600 flu vaccines given at no cost to Floridians. Florida Blue Centers across the state including three Jacksonville locations:St. Johns Town Center 4855 Town Center ParkwayRiver City Marketplace 13141 City Station DriveWinston YMCA 221 Riverside Ave.
Low-cost alternatives to EpiPen available now
Consumer Reports wants parents to know there are low-cost epinephrine alternatives available now. The full line of the talking epinephrine auto-injector, Auvi-Q, is now available at Walgreens at no cost to consumers who have commercial insurance. And because store inventories vary, call ahead to make sure your pharmacy has the epinephrine injector you want. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.
Walgreens will close about 200 US stores
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Walgreens will close about 200 locations across the United States as part of its plan to cut costs. After buying roughly half of Rite Aid's stores two years ago, Walgreens expanded its American footprint to more than 9,500 stores. The planned closures represent less than 3% of Walgreens locations. Walgreens did not provide a list of the stores that it plans to close. Parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance announced in June it would close 200 of its more than 2,400 Boots stores in the United Kingdom.
New data shows flow of billions of pain pills from drug companies
The Washington Post reports that 76 billion prescription pain pills from the country's biggest pharmaceutical companies poured into the US from 2006 through 2012. Kolodny said the data reflects pills that were produced by these companies, prescribed by doctors and dispensed to patients at pharmacies. An evolving epidemicBetween 2006 and 2012, the number of opioid pills originating from these companies climbed from 8.4 billion to 12.6 billion, according to The Washington Post's analysis. But the burden may not just fall on the DEA, Kolodny said. The US Food and Drug Administration, in approving new opioids, opened the gates to other drug companies seeking to recoup on their investments.
Several eye drops, ointment sold at Walgreens, Walmart recalled
Certain eye drops marketed by Walmart and Walgreens have been voluntarily recalled. RIVERHEAD, N.Y. - If you use eye drops, this might be a good time to check your medicine cabinet. Several eye drops and ointments exclusively sold at Walmart and Walgreen stores have been recalled because they may not be sterile, the Food and Drug Administration said. Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc. issued voluntary recalls for various Equate products, including for allergy relief, solutions, eye drops and gel drops -- all manufactured and labeled for Walmart. Walgreens recallFor Walgreens, Altaire has recalled several over-the-counter and prescription eye drops and ophthalmic ointments, including moisturizing eye drops, sodium chloride ophthalmic ointment, sodium chloride ophthalmic solution and lubricant eye ointment.
Eye drops, eye ointments sold at Walgreens recalled
Below is a list of products being recalled: Lubricant Eye Drops Moisturizing Walgreens item #: 801483 NDC #: 0363-0185-13 Package Size: 15 mL. Lot Number 19095, Expiration Date: 04/21, Manufacturer Ship Date: 05/14/19. Lubricant Eye Drops Moisturizing Twin Pack Walgreens item #: 801477 NDC #: 0363-0185-49 Package Size: 2 x 15 mL. Sodium Chloride Ophthalmic Solution, 5% Hypertonicity Eye Drops Walgreens item #: 801402 NDC #: 0363-0193-13 Package Size: 15 mL. (Two Lot Numbers) (1) Lot Number 19105, Expiration Date: 04/22, Manufacturer Ship Date: 05/24/19 and (2) Lot Number 19050, Expiration Date: 02/22, Manufacturer Ship Date: 05/23/19.
You now have to be 21 to buy tobacco and e-cigarettes at Walmart
NEW YORK - Beginning July 1st, you will have to be 21 to buy tobacco products and e-cigarettes at Walmart in all its U.S. stores in an effort to combat tobacco sales to minors. The retailer will also stop selling solutions and pods for e-cigarettes that are flavored like fruit or desserts. Walmart said the new rules will take effect July 1, and will also include its Sam's Club warehouse stores. Previously, its minimum purchase age was 18, aside from a number of states where the law required a minimum purchase age of 21. In April, drugstore operator Walgreens also said it would increase the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21 after the Food and Drug Administration accused it of repeatedly selling them to minors.
Retailers among 2019's worst stocks
Spencer Platt/Getty Images(CNN) - Looking for more proof of just how hard it is for traditional retailers to compete in a world that's increasingly dominated by Amazon? Nordstrom and Gap are the worst-performing stocks in the S&P 500 so far this year. Several other big brick-and-mortar retailers are among the market's biggest losers of the first half of 2019. All of those companies have recorded sluggish sales and profits as consumers increasingly shop online. And Home Depot, which faces less competition from Amazon and online shopping in general, is up more than 20%.
New laws impact vegetable gardens, opioid crisis, street racing
News Service of FloridaTALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Vegetable gardens, opioid abuse and street racing are among the topics of several bills Republican Gov. One of the measures will help Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody sue drug makers and pharmacies the state claims contributed to the opioid addiction epidemic. Those who helped fuel this man-made crisis must be held accountable and this new law will help us do that," Moody said in a news release. Another bill signed by DeSantis will require the state Department of Health to create a pamphlet discussing alternatives to opioids for pain treatment. And another bill will make it easier for police to charge people with drag racing on city streets.
Man arrested in 2016 Walgreens robbery
MACCLENNY, Fla. โ A man was arrested in connection with a 2016 robbery at the Walgreens in Macclenny, the Baker County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday. Brad Curtis Stewart, 23, of Sanderson, was being held in the Baker County jail on $250,000 as of Wednesday. On June 11, 2016, according to the Sheriff's Office, two masked people went into the Walgreens on South Sixth Street and demanded money from the store clerk. Over the last month, detectives with the Sheriff's Office began to review the previously closed case and examine the evidence. The Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as the case develops.
Man arrested in armed robbery at Palm Coast Walgreens
PALM COAST, Fla. โ A Bunnell man was arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a Palm Coast Walgreens Tuesday, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said. Matthew Green, 28, faces charges of armed robbery, grand theft of a firearm and grand theft. According to the Sheriff's Office, Green went to the Walgreens on Palm Coast Parkway about 6 a.m. and made verbal threats, pointing a brown handgun at the pharmacist. Deputies said they then tracked Green to his home and arrested him just before 2 p.m. Tuesday. Green was booked into the Flagler County Jail.