With requests for flu and COVID vaccine shots, local drug stores cope with heavy workload

Many pharmacists in the Seattle area, forced to administer COVID-19 and flu shots on top of their other duties, say they are feeling overwhelmed as they juggle what many say is a historically high workload as they head into peak flu shot season.

“It all kind of hit at the same time,” said David Green, director of pharmacy operations for the Seattle division of Albertson’s.

Many neighborhood pharmacists have been especially busy since they have been the place where many customers have turned to for help.

“We’re the most accessible health care workers," said Marci Reynolds, coordinator of pharmacy practice for QFC Pharmacies. "We get questions all the time."

Since many drug stores are exceptionally busy right now, that has led to frustration among many of their customers.

“I lined up for 20 minutes,” said Layla Liu, who made an appointment recently at a pharmacy but still ended up waiting an extended period of time. “I think they’re short-staffed, maybe.”

Workers at the stores are asking customers to understand as they grapple with the workload.

“Just be patient with your pharmacist," Green said. "I can tell you they are doing the best they can with a historically high workload.”

“Staff members are going full flat out,” said Beverly Schaefer, a pharmacist at Kitterman’s Pharmacy in Madrona Park. “We’re beginning to accept and understand we can’t meet everyone's expectations and everyone's needs, so we are trying to be as efficient as we can with the resources that we’ve got.

"People need to have patience," she added. "Things are not going to be quick (and) they’re not going to be the way they used to be. So, put your patience on."

The wait times have grown for some pharmacies who have had to say good-bye to staff.

“We have seen some turnover," Green said. "We’re of course hiring, like a lot of other companies right now especially on the pharmacy technician side. We would love to get more pharm tech hired.”

Pharmacists offer this advice fir customers.

“We highly encourage customers to make appointments,” Reynolds said.

“If you are going to get your booster shot and you haven’t gotten your flu shot, we recommend that you get them both at the same time,” Green said.