vaccine shoppe :: Article CreatorMontgomery County Faith Leaders And Independent Pharmacists Bring Vaccines To People's Homes With New Program
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Outside Highland Manor, an assisted living home in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, pharmacist Dr. Mayank Amin reached into his car and grabbed a tan, insulated cooler filled with vaccines.
"I also have my cape with me," he said as he pulled out a piece of red fabric to tie around his neck. "I try to make each home visit a little bit fun and exciting for the patients."
Amin is a familiar face around here. People know him as "Dr. Mak" or the Superman Pharmacist, hence the cape. He owns Skippack Pharmacy, which is about four miles away in town.
WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor Dr. Mayank Amin puts on his superhero cape before heading into an apartment of a homebound vaccine recipient. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Recently, his pharmacy joined other independent pharmacists and faith-based leaders in Montgomery County to launch a homebound mobile vaccine program that brings shots directly to people who may not otherwise be able to make it to a brick-and-mortar clinic.
Amin and his team meet with patients in their homes and administer seasonal and routine vaccines to residents at no extra cost.
"Sometimes, some of these patients might be suffering from a condition that does not allow them to go out of their house, or a disability," Amin said. "So, to bring a smile to their face, it just lights up my world as well."
The new in-home vaccine program was spearheaded by faith leaders at Bethel AME Church of Ardmore and supported with funding from the Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition and the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, pastor at the church in Ardmore, said throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she learned that many people in the community struggled to make it to a pharmacy or vaccine clinic because they live with mobility issues or health conditions.
"It's all about making sure that the most vulnerable have access," she said. "And to hear a voice, a friendly voice, someone who cares and is trying to ensure that they are protected."
The program partners with Skippack Pharmacy and Eric's RX Shoppe, based in Horsham. Depending on where someone lives, providers from one of the two independent pharmacies will get assigned to the in-home visit.
On a recent Monday morning, Amin had a vaccine appointment with Donna Stump at Highland Manor in Schwenksville. She's lived at the assisted living facility for about 12 years.
Stump had a stroke many years ago and doesn't drive. To get to a pharmacy or health clinic, she'd normally have to get a ride from her sister, who lives nearby.
"She picks me up and stuff," Stump. "It's easier for [Amin] to come here, and then she doesn't have to do it."
That morning, Stump got her annual COVID and flu shots, one in each arm. Within minutes, Amin administered the vaccines and applied some bandages.
WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor "Alright, Wonder Woman, you're protected," Amin announced, which made Stump laugh.
People who are eligible for the homebound mobile vaccination need to be county residents and have health insurance. Pharmacists deliver vaccines for COVID-19, flu, RSV and other recommended immunizations for diseases like shingles and pneumonia.
Cavaness said the program is already seeing a robust response. Coordinators are now working with the county's Immunization Coalition and Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the TriCounty Community Network, to increase awareness about it.
"Just getting the word out, letting our local health care systems know, caregiving services, home health care agencies, senior services buildings, that we will come into your home," Cavaness said. The 2024-25 flu season vaccine. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
For Amin, he said the program has been a way to connect with community members on a deeper level and take care of people who may otherwise be overlooked.
"That's kind of where the role of the independent pharmacists became even larger," he said. "Because now we had to fulfill those gaps and holes in care."
Montgomery County residents can request a home visit by calling 610-281-4933 or emailing montcovaccines@gmail.Com.
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The Vitamin Shoppe Launches "Snax For Vax" Campaign With Free Giveaway Of Healthy Snacks To Anyone Receiving A Flu Vaccine This Season
To encourage healthy communities, over 700 locations of The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements will give away free protein bars and healthy snacks from October 22 to October 23 to anyone showing proof of a flu vaccine
SECAUCUS, N.J., Oct. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vitamin Shoppe®, an omnichannel specialty retailer of nutritional products, today announced that it is offering a free protein bar or healthy snack to anyone with a documented flu vaccine shot, in a national "Snax for Vax" campaign to support healthy communities during flu season.
On the upcoming weekend of October 22-23, anyone with proof of a recent flu vaccine from their doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider, can choose a free item from a selection of protein bars and snacks at more than 700 locations of The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements™ stores in the U.S. And Puerto Rico. No purchase is necessary to receive the free item, which can include a choice from some the retailer's most popular, on-the-go sports nutrition products, including:
AP Regimen – PrimeBites Protein Brownies FULFIL – Vitamin & Protein Bars Garden of Life – Organic Fit High Protein Bars and Organic Performance Protein Bars Jacked Factory – Authentic Protein Bars Legendary Foods – Protein Sweet Rolls and Tasty Pastries ON – Protein Wafers, Vanilla Crème Flavor Sharon Leite, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, commented: "The Vitamin Shoppe is dedicated to the lifelong wellness of our customers and the communities we serve. Public health experts have advised that the current flu season may be severe, so we want to encourage Americans to engage in healthy habits, such as getting an annual flu vaccine and supporting their immune systems with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep routines. Our Health Enthusiast store teams look forward to our Snax for Vax weekend and giving away some of our most popular, protein-packed snacks as a tasty and healthy reward for supporting your wellness with a flu vaccine."
To spread the word about this initiative, and the importance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from influenza during flu season, The Vitamin Shoppe is encouraging posts to social media about this healthy snack giveaway with the hashtag #SnaxForVax and tagging @vitaminshoppe.
The Vitamin Shoppe previously conducted a similar Snax for Vax giveaway in an effort to incentivize Covid-19 vaccines, in a 2021 partnership with the White House.
For more information about The Vitamin Shoppe, please visit www.Vitaminshoppe.Com.
About The Vitamin Shoppe®
Lifelong Wellness Starts Here™. The Vitamin Shoppe®, a subsidiary of Franchise Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG), is a global, omnichannel specialty retailer and wellness lifestyle Company with the mission of providing customers with the most trusted products, guidance, and services to support them on their journeys of lifelong wellness. Based in Secaucus, New Jersey, the Company offers a comprehensive assortment of nutritional solutions, including vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements, herbs, sports nutrition, homeopathic remedies, green living products, and natural beauty products. In addition to carrying products from approximately 700 national brands, The Vitamin Shoppe offers products from its proprietary brands within its owned and wholesale channels, including: The Vitamin Shoppe®, Vthrive The Vitamin Shoppe™, BodyTech®, BodyTech® Elite, fitfactor™, fitfactor KETO™, plnt®, ProBioCare®, True Athlete®, and TrueYou™. In the U.S., the Company conducts business through over 700 company-operated retail stores under The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements™ banners, and via its website, www.Vitaminshoppe.Com. The company is expanding its retail footprint via an innovative, omnichannel franchising model and opened its first franchise store in 2022. Globally, The Vitamin Shoppe serves customers in select Asia, South America, and Central America markets through local omnichannel partners.
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SOURCE The Vitamin Shoppe
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