pharmacies

Germany marks the Day of German Unity, its national holiday commemorating reunification in 1990, this Saturday. In Bonn, many residents are checking which shops stay open despite the public holiday. The General-Anzeiger Bonn reports where people can still shop that day, as regular stores generally close on the holiday, leaving pharmacies, bakeries and petrol stations among the limited options.

Boots has announced a major change to its vaccination services for people aged over 65, taking effect from October 1. The pharmacy chain is preparing its autumn vaccine rollout, likely covering seasonal flu jabs and COVID-19 boosters for older and higher-risk groups. The announcement is drawing wide attention in the UK as people look to book appointments ahead of the winter season, with the story also gaining traction in the US.

Boots is reportedly closing in on a £7 billion sale to Canada's Weston family, according to press reports. The high-street pharmacy chain has been owned by Associated British Foods, and a deal would mark one of the biggest UK retail transactions of the year. Reports cite the Wall Street Journal in linking the Weston family, who already hold a stake in AB Foods, with a buyout.

Cardinal Health is pushing the idea of reimagining the retail pharmacy experience to fit the expectations of today's consumers. The healthcare distributor's message centres on modernising how community pharmacies operate and serve patients. Discussion is focused on what this shift means for the future of neighbourhood drugstores and patient care.

Amazon and GoodRx are rolling out subscription services aimed at Americans who pay out of pocket for prescriptions, as more people lose or go without health insurance coverage. The move positions the two companies as discount alternatives to traditional pharmacy benefits, and analysts see it as a sign of the shifting US healthcare market.

Vietnamese pharmacy chain Long Chau and healthcare company Abbott are expanding their Health Journey 2026 initiative to provide digestive health care to the public. The program involves partners including Abbott Vietnam, the Vietnam Young Physicians Association, Long Chau vaccination services and People's Hospital, aiming to broaden access to gastrointestinal health services in Vietnam.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, the parent company of UK pharmacy chain Boots, is reportedly close to a deal selling the business to Canada's Weston family for around $9 billion. The sale would put the health and retail group in the hands of one of Canada's best-known retail dynasties, ending years of speculation about the company's future and restructuring under its US owner.

Legal analysis is examining how the EU's pharmaceutical legislation reform package treats pharmacy compounding, and what that means for marketing authorisation holders and innovator companies. The guidance highlights how changes to the rules could affect exemptions for compounded medicines, competition from pharmacies, and how manufacturers protect their products' position in the EU market.

Cardinal Health has entered into a binding letter of intent with CVS Health to extend their pharmaceutical distribution agreements. The deal would continue Cardinal Health's role distributing pharmaceuticals to CVS's pharmacy operations. Financial terms and contract length were not disclosed. The announcement signals continuity in one of the largest drug distribution relationships in the United States healthcare supply chain.

From 1 October, Ukrainian universities and vocational colleges will include a compulsory discipline called 'Basics of National Resistance' in their programmes, covering master's students in medicine, pharmacy and veterinary fields as well. Reports say students who refuse to take the course could face expulsion. The move is part of Ukraine's broader civil defence efforts amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Drug Topics has published a Q&A exploring why rural pharmacies place personal trust and community relationships ahead of new technology. The piece examines how independent pharmacists in remote areas rely on long-standing patient relationships rather than digital tools to serve their communities. The discussion highlights a tension in healthcare between modernization and the personal touch that defines small-town pharmacy practice.

More people are using retail health clinics, typically located inside pharmacies and big-box stores, for routine care such as minor illnesses, vaccinations and screenings. The trend reflects frustrations with long waits and costs at traditional doctors' offices, as convenience-based care becomes a mainstream option for everyday health needs.

The law firm Edelson Lechtzin LLP has announced an investigation into a data breach at Ridgeway Pharmacy, opening the door to a possible class action on behalf of affected customers. Pharmacy data breaches typically expose personal and medical information, and the firm is urging impacted individuals to come forward as it reviews potential legal claims.

Drug Topics has published a FAQ addressing how well pharmacists understand mRNA vaccine technology. The piece answers common questions about the science behind mRNA vaccines and what pharmacists should know when advising patients. It reflects continued professional interest in keeping pharmacy staff up to date on vaccine technology and public communication.