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Retail News Breaks Archives Same-store sales at Walgreen Co. edged up in August after coming in virtually flat the previous month. Weis Markets this week began offering flu vaccinations at its pharmacies and later plans a round of flu shot clinics. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed withdrawing provisions of the Medicaid average manufacturer price (AMP) rule, a move that retail pharmacy groups called a triumph in their long-running fight over reimbursement. In a two-pronged transaction, Walgreen Co. plans to sell its long-term care business to Ominicare Inc. and in exchange acquire Omnicare's home infusion business. Rite Aid Corp. turned in soft same-store sales for August as results dipped in the pharmacy and the front end. The National Community Pharmacists Association has launched PharmacyMatching.com, a new web site aimed at connecting pharmacy sellers with buyers. Walmart and its Sam's Club subsidiary have started offering flu shots in more than 4,100 discount stores and warehouse clubs nationwide. Walgreen Co. has entered an agreement to acquire 18 ApothecaryRx pharmacies from Graymark Healthcare Inc. Retail pharmacy executives this week had awards presented in their honor to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation at the NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference. Ralphs Grocery Co. has started providing flu vaccinations through its in-store pharmacies. More than 90% of pharmacists believe they are key to improving patient health, according to a survey commissioned by the International Pharmaceutical Federation and Pfizer Inc. Building on its successful grassroots campaign, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores has kicked off a "get-out-the-vote" political mobilization drive and recognized the political engagement of Kmart and H.E. Butt Grocery Co. As part of its flu immunization effort, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. plans to offer flu shots to employers as well as individuals. To help grow its front-end business, Lifechek Drug Inc. plans to implement a business management and point-of-sale software platform from Activant Solutions Inc. Already a core health care provider, retail pharmacy stands to play an even larger part in patient care as health care reform amplifies the call for more affordable, accessible services, National Association of Chain Drug Stores leaders said at the NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference here. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking a contractor to develop monthly national surveys of retail pharmacy prescription drug prices and ingredient costs.
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