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ARLINGTON, Va. — In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is highlighting the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages — and emphasizing the role of NACDS-member pharmacies in supporting the public’s health through vaccination access and uptake, and by providing a variety of chronic disease management and prevention services.
The August social campaign is part of NACDS’ broader public education initiative, Nourish My Health, that emphasizes the importance of preventive screenings and healthy foods to reduce the risk of diet-related heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Both the National Immunization Awareness Month digital campaign and Nourish My Health exist as part of the vibrant Health and Wellness Innovation Initiative at NACDS.
In concert with a nutritious diet, vaccinations can be effective in reducing the risk of infectious disease complications in people with chronic conditions. People with heart disease can develop serious complications from the flu; people with diabetes can develop serious complications from COVID-19.
A series of NACDS digital content across Facebook, LinkedIn and X features various NACDS member pharmacies and how they are stepping up during National Immunization Awareness Month and every day to meet people wherever they are on their healthcare journey. View the content below and share with the official campaign hashtag, #NourishMyHealth:
“We are proud to honor NACDS members’ efforts during National Immunization Awareness Month,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven Anderson. “The recent public health emergency underscored the irreplaceable role of pharmacy. Notably, pharmacies have administered nearly 340 million COVID-19 vaccinations, in addition to providing tens of thousands of COVID-19 tests and essential access to antivirals for Americans nationwide.
“Pharmacies have a unique and powerful reach, located within five miles of 90 percent of Americans. Nourish My Health is just one example of how pharmacies can scale what they are doing in other ways, throughout the total store — in driving food is medicine initiatives, in providing prevention and management services for chronic disease, and in delivering total health and wellness solutions.”
Nourish My Health ‒ a collaboration with leading health organizations ‒ was developed in response to the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. That 2022 conference was the basis for the national strategy to end hunger, improve nutrition, and reduce disease. Nourish My Health encourages baseline health screening to understand disease risks; offers healthy food guides and nutrition information; hosts resources for professionals; and hosts a nutrition security survey which informs meaningful access solutions.
In June, NACDS honored Men’s Health Month. As part of the annual observance, NACDS released a series of social posts showcasing NACDS member pharmacies’ efforts throughout the month and every day to advance men’s health and to encourage men and boys to be proactive in their health.
View related NACDS digital content for Women’s Health Month, American Heart Month, and National Diabetes Month.
In addition to partnering health organizations, NACDS member pharmacy companies are participating in Nourish My Health at select locations — leveraging scheduled wellness events, immunization clinics, and awareness events like National Immunization Awareness Month.
