ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has released new video ads urging Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The ads, released in English and in Spanish, emphasized pharmacies’ unique ability to fairly and efficiently turn vaccine doses into vaccination appointments.

The 30-second ad – “It’s Time” – promotes COVID-19 vaccines as a critical way to protect individuals and communities and accelerate the reopening of the nation.

Released following President Biden’s announcement on March 29 that the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program will be more than doubled from 17,000 pharmacies to nearly 40,000 pharmacies, the new ad reflects pharmacies’ and pharmacy teams’ commitment to ensuring equitable vaccine deployment across all communities.

NACDS has emphasized that pharmacies conservatively can meet the demand for 100 million vaccinations in 30 days if such supplies are available. There is a pharmacy within five miles of 90% of Americans. Further, pharmacies are using demographic, social and health data to help reach communities particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and those who have suffered from healthcare disparities.

“Particularly as COVID-19 vaccine supply increases, it is important to convey the importance of getting vaccinated so individuals can get back to what they need to do and what they love to do,” said NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson. “It is critically important for vaccine confidence that communications resources look like America, and that they are backed by sophisticated and substantive work to lift up all Americans with an intentional approach to equity.

“In addition to fostering this vital conversation, ‘It’s Time’ also serves as a tribute to the amazing and heroic work of trusted pharmacy teams nationwide. We honor NACDS members for their outstanding commitment to restoring hope for every American; for their adaptability in the face of COVID-19; and for their continued work to maximize vaccine confidence and prioritize reaching those underserved communities and populations in the greatest need.”

NACDS is inviting members and other allied organizations to share the ads and spread the word about the critical importance of COVID-19 vaccines. The association says it will launch an online toolkit with social media resources and more in the coming days.