CVS to hire thousands of pharmacy techs as it prepares for more COVID-19 cases, rollout of vaccine

CVS Health is going on a hiring spree, in preparation for a busy influenza season and an anticipated rise in COVID-19 cases. The company on Monday announced plans to immediately hire 15,000 new workers, including more than 10,000 licensed pharmacy technicians who can help dispense prescriptions and administer COVID-19 tests. Additionally, once a COVID-19 vaccine is available, CVS will be adequately staffed for a role in getting the public immunized. The company has lobbied to empower pharmacy technicians to administer the vaccine under supervision of an immunization-certified pharmacist, arguing that the change could expedite widespread distribution. In addition to pharmacy techs, CVS wants to add more pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and distribution center employees to its payroll with the approach of the cold-weather months, which are likely to harbor more COVID-19 cases as Americans spend more time indoors. Meanwhile, the pandemic has already boosted demand for the influenza vaccine. CVS expects to administer 18 million influenza vaccinations this year, up from 11 million in 2019, says company spokesman Joe Goode.