On January 12, thank your local pharmacist!
Anyone who has ever filled a prescription has a reason on January 12 to be thankful: it’s National Pharmacist Day.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 320,000 pharmacist jobs in the United States in 2021.
It’s a good idea to talk with your pharmacist. Pharmacists can talk with you about taking medicines safety and can work with your healthcare provider. They can suggest ways to take medicine and help to manage health conditions. They also give flu shots and other vaccines.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a list of questions that consumers ask pharmacists. The questions cover topics such as medicine side effects, how medicines affect health, and generic brands.
Most people are familiar with community pharmacists who work in retail and chain drug stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, other types of pharmacists include:
- Pharmacists who work in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings.
- Consultant pharmacists who tell healthcare facilities and insurance providers and provide other services. They also may talk with patients.
- Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists who work in marketing, sales or research and development. They may design or conduct clinical drug trials or help to develop new drugs. They also help establish safety regulations and ensure quality control of drugs.
Interested in more facts about pharmacists? Learn more about what they do at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
VDH would like to thank Virginia’s pharmacists for helping address public health priorities.