Hartig Drug - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Helping our communities through COVID-19 is our top priority.  Please check back to this page often for our current response and resources.

All Hartig Drug affiliated locations and stores have been instructed to use enhanced cleaning methods to disinfect all highly contacted areas and surfaces. These aggressive protocols will keep those surfaces clean, in turn, keeping customers safe.

At this point in time we ask that customers feeling ill, or having flu-like symptoms, to please refrain from entering any Hartig Drug location to pick up prescriptions. We are happy to deliver prescriptions to your home, mail-out medications, offer curbside pickup, and utilize drive-thru windows where applicable. This allows our pharmacy team members to continue to do their jobs without the threat of contracting COVID-19. All Hartig Drug delivery vehicles will be well equipped with disinfectant products, not only to be sure deliveries are done safely, but to minimize the chance of passing the virus along to others.

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3/31/2022 COVID-19 Update

Hartig Drug Company now has second booster doses of the mRNA Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccine available for select individuals.

After approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the following individuals are eligible to receive a second Covid-19 booster dose:

• People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after the first booster dose.
• People ages 50 years and older who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after the first booster dose.
• People ages 18 to 49 years old who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised and who received the Janssen (J&J) Covid-19 vaccine as both their first dose and booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first J&J booster dose.

For additional information on Covid-19 vaccine eligibility, please visit the CDC website.

Covid-19 vaccine appointments are available at all Hartig Drug locations and can be scheduled online at hartigdrug.com/appointment.

1/7/2022 COVID-19 Update

Hartig Drug Company Now Offers Pfizer Boosters for 12 to 17-Year-Olds

Hartig Drug Company announces today that Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine booster doses are now available for 12 to 17-year-olds at least 5 months after their second dose. At this time, Pfizer-BioNTech is the only Covid-19 vaccine booster authorized for 12 to 17-year-olds.

This announcement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) endorsement of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for preventing Covid-19.

The CDC and  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also announced earlier this week the following updated recommendations:

• Individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine as their primary two-dose series are recommended to get a booster after 5 months instead of 6 months.
• Moderately or severely immunocompromised 5 to 11-year-olds should receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine 28 days after their second shot.

Covid-19 vaccine appointments are available at all Hartig Drug locations and can be scheduled online at hartigdrug.com/appointment.

9/24/2021 COVID-19 Update

Hartig Drug to Begin Administering Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

Beginning today, September 24, 2021, Hartig Drug Company locations will administer booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to individuals based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations below:  

1. People 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings, and people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series; and
2. Health care workers, people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions, and others who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupation may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Hartig Drug's announcement follows the CDC recommendation endorsing the use of a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) amendment to the emergency use authorizations of the vaccines. Studies suggest a booster shot for these individuals increases protection against the Covid-19 virus. The CDC has not yet provided recommendations regarding booster doses for Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, which are likely forthcoming. For a complete list of requirements of eligibility, please visit the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov.

"Our pharmacists and pharmacy teams continue to provide vital access to Covid-19 and other vaccines in all of our communities, and we have ample vaccine supply to continue to provide first, second, and now booster Covid vaccine doses to patients based on public health guidelines," said Charlie Hartig, Chief Executive Officer, Hartig Drug Company. "With this big change, we request that everyone consider making an appointment in advance online at hartigdrug.com/appointment. Please be patient with our health care providers and pharmacists in the tri-states as we attempt to manage influenza vaccines, cough/cold and flu season, and now additional Covid-19 booster doses," he added.

Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 boosters will be available at every Hartig Drug location to all eligible patients regardless of where they received their first two-dose series vaccination. Hartig requests individuals bring their original Covid-19 vaccine card, a government-issued ID (optional), and prescription insurance (optional). Online appointments are encouraged at www.hartigdrug.com/appointment, but walk-ins are welcome. For further information, please get in touch with your local Hartig Drug pharmacist.

Hartig Drug continues to administer doses of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines at all of its Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin locations and strongly encourages those who have not been vaccinated to get vaccinated. Hartig Drug also began administering flu shots last month and highly recommends individuals to receive a flu shot this fall to protect themselves and others from vaccine-preventable diseases and decrease potential hospitalizations. 

8/16/2021 COVID-19 Update

Hartig Drug to Administer Third Dose of Covid-19 Vaccine to Immunocompromised

Beginning Monday, August 16, 2021, Hartig Drug Company locations will offer a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised. Studies suggest immunocompromised individuals do not always build the same level of immunity after vaccination and are recommended to receive a third dose of an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine at least four weeks after an initial two-dose series.

“Our pharmacists and pharmacy staff continue to provide vital access to Covid-19 vaccines in all of our communities, and we have ample vaccine supply to continue to provide first, second, and now third doses to patients based on public health guidelines,” said Charlie Hartig, Chief Executive Officer, Hartig Drug Company. “We will be reaching out to specific patients that may be eligible to receive this third dose of vaccine over the next few days in consultation with their other health care providers,” he added.

Hartig Drug’s announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced its recommendation endorsing the use of an additional dose of Covid-19 vaccine for the immunocompromised following the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) amendment to the emergency use authorizations of the vaccines.

The CDC’s recommendation includes people with a range of conditions, such as organ or stem cell transplant recipients, individuals with advanced or untreated HIV infection, active recipients of treatment for cancer, people taking some medications that weaken the immune system, and others. The CDC does not recommend a third dose or booster shots for any other population at this time. For a complete list of conditions that meet CDC recommendations, please visit the CDC’s website here.

Appointments are available at all Hartig Drug locations and can be scheduled online at www.hartigdrug.com/appointment. Individuals can self-attest and receive the additional dose of the same vaccine as their initial two-dose series. For further information, please get in touch with your local Hartig Drug pharmacist.

5/21/2021 COVID-19 Update

Hartig Drug Face Covering Policy Updates

Hartig Drug Company announced today, in accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, customers and employees who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear face coverings inside of Hartig Drug stores unless state or local regulations mandate it, effective immediately. Customers and employees who are not fully vaccinated are asked to continue wearing face coverings, based on the guidance from the CDC.

Out of an abundance of caution, Hartig Drug will continue to promote its free delivery program, keep some signage about Covid-19 precautions prominently displayed, conduct enhanced sanitization efforts, and continue the use of plexiglass at Hartig Drug pharmacy, post office, and cash register counters. The health and safety of Hartig Drug customers and employees remain a top priority. As federal, state, and local guidelines change Hartig Drug will continue to review public guidelines and make appropriate changes and modifications to its operations.

Hartig Drug continues to offer free Pfizer and J&J vaccines by appointment and walk-in for all eligible individuals. In addition, Hartig Drug is still providing free Covid-19 testing at select locations.  Please visit www.hartigdrug.com/covidvaccine for more details.

5/13/2021 COVID-19 Update

Hartig Drug to Administer Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccines to Ages 12 through 15

Beginning Thursday, May 13, 2021, Hartig Drug Company locations will offer the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to adolescents 12 through 15 years of age. Hartig Drug also continues to administer Pfizer and J&J vaccine to ages 16 and older.

“Expanding eligibility for persons 12 and older is another leap forward in reaching a critical level of vaccines and ending the pandemic,” said Charles S. Hartig, Chief Executive Officer, Hartig Drug Company.

“Hartig Drug and our pharmacists are here to help parents, guardians, and young individuals obtain the vaccine conveniently and also answer questions about the vaccine. We’ve made changes to our schedules and processes to focus on weekend and after shool hours and also have reached out to many of the local county health officials in our area to offer assistance,” he added.

Appointments are available after school hours, weekends, and walk-in appointments are welcome. Parents or guardians for individuals under 18 can now schedule appointments using the Hartig Drug scheduling tool. Visit www.hartigdrug.com/appointment to schedule a vaccination appointment today, or stop by your local Hartig Drug. Those ages 12 through 17 are only authorized to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, per CDC guidance. Additionally, Hartig Drug has reached out to schools and local county health officials in its footprint to inquire about vaccine clinics directly. Clinics outside of the pharmacy can provide a seamless and efficient way to organize, helping to bring the vaccine directly into communities and reach people at schools, community centers, churches, and workplaces.

For more information about Hartig Drug’s COVID-19 vaccine efforts, visit www.hartigdrug.com/covidvaccine.

Hartig’s announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced its recommendation of using the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for ages 12 through 15 following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for the same age group. 

7/31/2020 COVID-19 Update

Effective August 3, 2020, Hartig Drug Company pharmacies will begin to offer free COVID-19 test collection in select pharmacies across the tri-state. This free COVID-19
test collection program is implemented in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) and eTrueNorth, a laboratory services company focused on enhancing pharmacies’ access to diagnostic laboratory testing.

“Hartig Drug is excited to partner with HHS on this program to deliver free COVID-19 testing options to communities in the tri-state. The majority of testing capabilities seem to be emphasized in urban centers, so we look forward to providing free and accessible testing in several of our rural communities,” stated Charlie Hartig, CEO of Hartig Drug Company.

All Hartig Drug Company coronavirus test collection sites can be found at DoINeedACovid19Test.com. The online portal helps patients make test collection appointments. Any individual is eligible to test, even if they are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

How do I register for a test?

• Patients must register on the website (DoINeedACovid19Test.com) and receive a voucher number in order to be eligible to schedule an appointment for a test.
• Only Hartig Drug Company pharmacies listed on the website (DoINeedACovid19Test.com) are participating in the program.
• Tests are provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.

I have a voucher, what do I need to do next?

• Participating pharmacies will only provide COVID-19 testing services through drive-thru locations to mitigate potential exposure. Do not attempt to walk into the pharmacy to receive the test, you will be directed back to your vehicle and asked to proceed to the drive-thru window for your scheduled appointment.
• The test is self-administered by the patient with an anterior nasal swab – which is less invasive than a nasopharyngeal swab.
• Hartig Drug pharmacy personnel will coach and observe each patient to ensure the test is completed accurately. Once the sample kit is sealed, pharmacy personnel will submit the package to the lab for processing. Results are ready in three to five business days.

When will I get my results?

• You will receive a notification via email or phone call that your results are ready. You must log on to your DoINeedACovid19Test.com account to view the results. Results should be received within 3-5 business days.
• Hartig Drug Company and its pharmacy personnel will not receive your results. If you have questions about your test results or the status of your pending results you must call eTrueNorth at (800) 635-8611.

The Hartig Drug pharmacies offering coronavirus test collection:

7/24/2020 COVID-19 Update

Hartig Drug Company (“Hartig Drug”) is requiring all customers and patients to wear face coverings while shopping in our retail locations.

Since the pandemic began, Hartig Drug has continued to follow federal, state and local guidelines in relation to COVID-19 mitigation strategies to keep our employees and customers safe. This includes supplying and requiring our employees wear face coverings and encouraging our customers to do so as well. In communities with state or local laws mandating the use of face coverings, we've made it clear through signage.

Now, at this time, we are expecting all of our customers to wear face coverings to help protect themselves, our employees, the immunocompromised patients that must enter our pharmacy locations, and our local community.

"With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections, we're joining other organizations to require all customers wear face coverings when entering any of our stores effective Monday, July 27. To be clear, we're not asking our store employees to enforce this requirement, but are asking that our patients and customers protect themselves and those around them by following the majority of public health experts and Centers for Disease Control instruction to wear face coverings,” stated Charles Hartig, CEO.

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4/6/2020 COVID-19 Update

Dubuque, Iowa – (6 April 2020) – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases continue to proliferate, and many public health initiatives have been implemented to prevent community spread. Today the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released new pharmacy specific guidance [1] that provides our pharmacies with additional instruction on how best to protect the community and our employees.  To that end, we’re pleased to announce the following changes as recommended by the CDC.

• All employees have access to and an option to wear face masks as additional protection from COVID-19 in accordance with CDC’s guidance for the public. [2]
• Hartig Drug will install plexiglass barriers next week at our cash registers and pharmacy pick-up counters.​​​​​
• Hartig Drug has implemented a new, streamlined curbside delivery program.  More details can be found on Hartig Drug’s website at https://www.hartigdrug.com/order

In addition, effective on April 8, 2020, Hartig Drug Company is closing Easter Sunday (April 12, 2020) and modifying its hours of operation going forward until further notice. The changes to our hours of operation will be updated and posted to our website, phone systems, internet search engines and other mediums on April 7, 2020. These changes to our hours of operation are not a reduction in workforce hours but instead time to ensure that employees have the opportunity to adequately manage inventory, perform appropriate cleaning and sanitization, and spend valuable time with their loved ones and family through these unprecedented times.

We urge the public to continue to engage in social distancing and use of Hartig Drug Company’s delivery, mail-out, drive-thru and curbside options.

References:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-resources/pharmacies.html

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions.pdf

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3/24/2020 COVID-19 Update

As we announced on March 16, Hartig Drug Company (“Hartig Drug”) is committed to serving the Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin communities. We are monitoring federal, state and local health official notifications and instructions to help provide medications timely and execute on any COVID-19 response and actions needed by these public health officials.

This is a critical time for our communities, and COVID-19 response requires collaboration across industries and the community. Concerns about COVID-19 are valid, but they are cause for us to be prepared, not frightened. Hartig Drug has taken the following steps to ensure the safety of our communities:

• Enhanced and exhaustive cleaning procedures for all store locations that align with the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. 
• Directed all employees to screen their temperature daily and also undergo temperature monitoring on-site at the pharmacy at the start of each shift.
• Requested all sick individuals, for any reason, to stay out of the physical location. Drive-thru is strongly encouraged where available and we are offering FREE delivery, drive-thru, mailout and curbside-pick up service to all patients and consumers. Just call your Hartig Drug pharmacy to arrange for this service, over-the-counter product requests and payment. Health care providers can also include method of delivery on your prescription notes and directions as necessary.
• Staff have been advised to rigorously enforce social distancing standards, signage is posted in all locations and our staff have used tape to visually demonstrate appropriate distancing of 6 feet.
• Suspended signature requirements on prescription pick-up and deliveries.
• Increased our supply of essential products for our customers at the same price margins – we have not, nor will we “price gouge.” The prices and mark-up today are the same as they have been over this last several months with exception to price increases due to supplier price changes.
• Ensured adequate drug supply of finished form and active pharmacy ingredient (API) products.
• Contingency plans are in place for employees that may become ill (for any reason) which also
  included revised sick leave policies for employees and family members aligned with applicable
  laws.

Equally as important, Hartig Drug has taken steps to ensure that our employees and community have support through these challenging times. More specifically, Hartig Drug has:

• Announced that all full-time, direct store employees will receive a $300.00 bonus. The same bonus will be provided to store's part-time employees on a pro-rated basis. These bonuses will be paid in May.
• Implemented a continual assessment of store location hours. While currently Hartig Drug continues to service individuals with pharmacy and convenience item needs, we will plan to adjust hours as needed at each location based on community need, COVID-19 developments, and staffing levels.
• Hartig Drug has started to offer 1-2 lunches each week for its employees to be purchased at local, small business restaurants to provide relief to small businesses affected by COVID-19.
• Hartig Drug is actively seeking to fill thirty-two (32) open positions throughout the tri-state.
  • Applicants can apply at www.hartigdrug.com/careers

“Our pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, store managers, clerks and all our employees behind the scenes remain diligent in a very challenging and uncertain time. I am proud of everything they are doing each day,” said Hartig Drug’s CEO, Charlie Hartig. “We play a critical role in responding to COVID-19 and our employees are remaining vigilant and doing everything they can to support customers, patients and communities in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, who are relying on us at this vital time.”

Hartig Drug has a long history of being there for its customers and communities, especially in times of need. Pharmacies and pharmacists play a critical role in the healthcare delivery system and in the communities we serve. We are inspired and deeply grateful to all our employees, who are going the extra mile to help our customers in ways large and small during this challenging time in our country’s history.  “As I have worked in our pharmacies these last few weeks, I can see that we are living out or company’s mission in a challenging time, and it has never been more important that it is today,” said Hartig.

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3/16/2020 COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases continue to proliferate, and many public health initiatives have been implemented to prevent community spread. Concerns about COVID19 are valid, but they are cause for us to be prepared, not frightened. As declared in our mission statement, Hartig Drug will continue to serve our local communities with vital health and pharmacy services. Ultimately, we have taken precautions of our own to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in our stores, keeping our employees and customers safe.

All Hartig Drug affiliated locations and stores have been instructed to use enhanced cleaning methods to disinfect all highly contacted areas and surfaces. These aggressive protocols will keep those surfaces clean, in turn, keeping customers safe.

At this point in time we ask that customers feeling ill, or having flu-like symptoms, to please refrain from entering any Hartig Drug location to pick up prescriptions. We are happy to deliver prescriptions to your home, mail-out medications, offer curbside pickup, and utilize drive-thru windows where applicable. This allows our pharmacy team members to continue to do their jobs without the threat of contracting COVID19. All Hartig Drug delivery vehicles will be well equipped with disinfectant products, not only to be sure deliveries are done safely, but to minimize the chance of passing the virus along to others.

Also, please help us follow these pharmacy-specific tips and requests during this time:

• Call in prescription refills three (3) business days in advance to expedite pharmacy dispensing processes and limit time in the pharmacy area. Many insurance providers are allowing insurance overrides for “refill too soon” and “prior authorizations;” however, the pharmacy will need time to process these prescriptions and sort through various requests given the circumstances.
• Hartig Drug Company will be limiting purchases of essential cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and other items to maintain a steady flow of necessary products. • Please do not bring in prescription bottles or other items for disposal unless absolutely necessary, this will minimize potential contaminants.
• If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, please contact the pharmacy in advance and arrange for your prescription to be delivered, mailed, or dropped-off curbside at our location.
• Hartig Drug Company has reached out to all of its prescription drug suppliers for guidance related to adequate drug supply. We are pleased to confirm that our drug suppliers do not expect any substantial drug shortages as most have six to 12 months of drug products on-hand. While this may not be true for every drug, Hartig Drug has taken many steps to ensure the integrity and availability of our drug supply for our tri-state area patients.

We offer these general health care tips to our customers, patients, and staff, as well as their families, healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 to 70% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. Stay home if you become sick, and remain home until you are free of symptoms for an acceptable length of time.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands, when you cough or sneeze.

We will continue to do everything in our power to keep our communities healthy, whether that is through informing the public on COVID-19 facts and tips, to trying our best to carry all of the necessary products keep you safe. As this issue evolved Hartig Drug Company will keep the public and employees informed through traditional media outlets, social media, and internal communication processes.

References: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Patient Resources: