Walgreens Prepares for 2025 Flu Vaccine Surge with New Strategies

Walgreens is ramping up its operations and staffing ahead of the 2025 respiratory virus season to meet the anticipated surge in flu vaccine demand. In an interview with *Pharmacy Times*, Samantha Picking, PharmD and senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, outlined the pharmacy chain’s strategies to enhance efficiency and patient access.

As flu-shot appointments are set to roll out at more than 9,000 Walgreens locations this season, the pharmacy team is implementing various staffing models. These include increasing technician hours, utilizing contract immunizers, and establishing micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) to allow pharmacists to dedicate more time to patient-facing services. Picking emphasized the importance of preparing for the season by learning from previous years’ challenges.

Innovative Staffing and Technology Solutions

Walgreens has made significant adjustments to its operations to streamline the vaccination process. The pharmacy is introducing communication quiet periods, which allow pharmacy teams to focus on patient care without interruptions. Picking noted that these initiatives are part of a broader effort to ease the workload on pharmacy staff during the busy flu season.

Digital tools are also playing a crucial role in improving efficiency. The implementation of a global scheduler and digital check-in systems reduces patient wait times and enhances the overall vaccination experience. For instance, stores utilizing MFCs have reported administering approximately 40% more vaccines compared to those without this support.

Picking expressed confidence in Walgreens’ ability to meet vaccination needs, stating, “As the season progresses, we will continue to monitor, assess, and make real-time adjustments to ensure we’re meeting the needs of not only our patients but also our team members.” This proactive approach is aimed at providing patients with flexible options, allowing them to walk in without the necessity of prior scheduling.

Forecasting Demand and Managing Patient Flow

Last season, Walgreens administered nearly 38 million flu vaccines, nearly double the figure delivered in medical offices. Picking indicated that while it is too early to provide specific projections for the upcoming season, ongoing monitoring of demand and virus activity will guide their operational strategies. The pharmacy expects continued interest in vaccine co-administration, particularly among senior patients.

To enhance accessibility, Walgreens is committed to keeping its online platforms up to date with real-time appointment availability. This allows patients to either schedule their vaccinations in advance or walk into their local pharmacy at their convenience, further ensuring widespread protection against the influenza virus.

Reflecting on lessons learned from the previous respiratory season, Picking highlighted the importance of understanding peak timing and addressing staffing bottlenecks. She noted that combining physical and digital services has been central to shaping the pharmacy’s approach this year. The improvements, including the global scheduler and digital check-in, have been designed to boost efficiency and enhance customer engagement.

By maximizing its resources and leveraging technology, Walgreens aims to significantly alleviate the workload on its pharmacy teams, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the upcoming flu season’s demands. The collaborative efforts across its locations and support systems position Walgreens to play a pivotal role in public health as vaccination efforts ramp up.