US Pharm . 2006;8:6.

Merck Launches Adult Vaccine Program
West Point, Pa. --Merck has launched the Merck Adult Vaccination Program, which is designed to expand access to adult vaccines through pharmacies and vaccination service providers. In a letter to pharmacists, Rose Mary B. Hoy, RPh, Executive Director, Pharmacy and Senior Health, explained that this program "is just one example of our company's commitment to developing initiatives that strengthen healthcare infrastructure." She said that Merck recognizes the valuable role that pharmacists have "in advancing the health of their community by helping to prevent illness and disease through vaccinations."

A major component of the Merck Adult Vaccination Program is a directory of community pharmacies that provide vaccination services for Merck adult vaccines within a geographic area. To find out more information about the program, contact the Merck National Service Center at (800) 637-2590.

Walgreen Expands In-Store Clinics
Deerfield, Ill. --Walgreen Co. recently opened 10 Health Corner Clinics within its stores in the Kansas City metro area and has plans to open more in-store clinics in the Kansas City area within the first quarter of 2007. The clinics are run by Take Care Health, headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. In each clinic, Take Care Health's family nurse practitioners diagnose, treat, and write prescriptions for commonly used medications for patients older than 18 months. They also perform standard screenings and some vaccinations. The clinics accept most commercial insurance plans. The average fee for uninsured patients ranges from $59 to $74 per visit.

AmerisourceBergen Celebrates Successful Meeting
Valley Forge, Pa. --AmerisourceBergen customers from around the country converged on Las Vegas to attend the manufacturer's National Healthcare Conference and Exposition. According to the company, a record 7,400 people, including community pharmacy leaders, pharmaceutical manufacturers, health and beauty aids manufacturers, and industry experts, attended the meeting. "We applaud the entrepreneurial spirit of community pharmacy and work actively with colleges of pharmacy to promote store ownership."

Pharmacists Rated Highest by Consumers
Worthington, Ohio-- According to the Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch, two thirds of the 7,500 consumers polled believe that community pharmacists provide a good or excellent level of customer service. Dentists ranked second, while doctors came in third. Health insurance providers and hospitals did not fare as well. Only one third of the consumers gave health insurance providers high marks, while just over 40% did the same for hospitals.

Coalition of Pharmacy Associations Formed
Alexandria, Va.-- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association have formed the Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action. The new group's purpose is to provide a single voice on legislative and regulatory issues to the nation's 55,000 community chain and independent pharmacies.

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