Dear RDC Independent Pharmacies,

Here's a neat opportunity for you to consider that would strengthen Community Pharmacy's value to New York State...

The New York State Department of Health is asking you to help them distribute Tamiflu and Relenza for the treatment and prophylaxis of H1N1 Influenza.

Pharmacies in New York State, outside the five counties of New York City, are being asked to register to receive quantities of these drugs to store and dispense to qualified individuals.

If your location is within the five counties of New York City, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is conducting a similar program. For further information about the New York City program call 866-692-3641.

The intention of the program is to target populations who cannot obtain Tamiflu or Relenza because they have no insurance coverage, restricted coverage and financial difficulty. Pharmacies will enter into agreement with NYSDOH to dispense oseltamivir and zanamivir free-of-charge upon determination that an individual cannot afford the cost of the prescribed medication. Individuals are still required to obtain a prescription from a qualified provider such as a medical doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.

Participating pharmacies may charge individuals a dispensing fee of up to $5.00 for the costs incurred in processing an order; however, this fee must be waived if an individual states they cannot afford the cost.

As these medications are provided by New York State, pharmacies cannot seek reimbursement for the medication from the individual or through third party insurance.

Please see all the details at these PDF links...

General Information Document
FAQ Document
Govenor Paterson PR Announcement
List of Stores Distributing

If you want to sign up, use this Provider Agreement Form

Simply print the form, complete and mail an original copy to:

New York State Department of Health
Office of Health Emergency Preparedness
Riverview Center – Suite 354
150 Broadway
Menands, NY 12204

After all stores are signed up, the DOH will prepare a bulk shipment to RDC, and we will then ship you an allocation of product.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call Ralph M. Iler, Associate Director, NYSDOH Office of Health Emergency Preparedness.
Office: (518) 474-2893
Fax: (518) 402-6228
Cell: (518) 857-5592
rmi05@health.state.ny.us