Expert Reflects on COVID-19 Pandemic 5 Years Later

In a comprehensive review of pharmacy's role during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare expert Jeffery Goad, PharmD, MPH, president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, discussed the transformation pharmacies underwent, highlighting their emergence as essential health care providers beyond traditional medication dispensing. During the interview discussing 5 years since the COVID-19 pandemic, Goad emphasized how pharmacies rapidly scaled operations, implementing innovative strategies to manage unprecedented vaccination and testing demands while simultaneously confronting significant challenges like staffing shortages, personal protective equipment limitations, and widespread misinformation.

Pharmacies demonstrated remarkable adaptability by mobilizing entire teams, including pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists, to administer vaccines and conduct COVID-19 tests. Many initially relied on appointment-based systems to manage vaccine distribution efficiently, later transitioning to hybrid models that balanced accessibility and operational efficiency. Throughout the pandemic, pharmacists consistently ranked as one of the most trusted professions, leveraging social media, community outreach, and individual counseling to counter misinformation with evidence-based guidance from organizations like the CDC and National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Goad stressed that this period was not just about survival, but an opportunity for professional growth, with pharmacies developing new skills and exploring expanded clinical services such as travel health clinics, test-to-treat programs, and chronic disease management. Looking forward, Goad advocated for policy changes to recognize pharmacists as comprehensive health care providers, emphasizing the need for equitable reimbursement and expanded clinical service standards. He highlighted the importance of continued investment in workforce training, retention, and development to sustain the momentum gained during the pandemic. Pharmacies play a critical role in filling health care access gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas. By focusing on personalized patient care and leveraging their entire team's capabilities, pharmacies demonstrated their potential to be dynamic, responsive health care partners. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned during COVID-19 will likely shape pharmacy's role for years to come, positioning these professionals as key contributors to public health strategy and patient care.

"I think, really to summarize, the pandemic underscored that pharmacists are essential health care providers, not just medication dispensers," Goad said. "Moving forward, we must continue advocating for legislative changes, strengthening public trust, and ensuring pharmacists receive the support they need to sustain and expand their vital services. Pharmacy teams, including technicians, played a key role during the pandemic, and continued investment in workforce, training, retention, and development will be essential for the future."