CVS and Walgreens Limits Sales of Children’s Meds Amid ‘Tripledemic’

This holiday season families have been hit hard by the “tripledemic” of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

Although COVID-19 cases are lower than they were last winter, in recent months hospitals have seen a rise in cases. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 77% of hospital beds are occupied. Alarming numbers of flu and RSV cases have been reported as well.

CVS and Walgreens announced on Monday that availability for children’s formulations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen is limited nationwide. CVS has placed a two-item limit on children’s medications in-store and online. As for Walgreens, a six-item limit has been implemented. 

The CDC has estimated that up to 33 million Americans have already had the flu this season. Children are more susceptible to both RSV and the flu, according to NPR, so with both of these illnesses on the rise, medicine has been in high demand. 

Johnson and Johnson, a children’s medicine producer, stated earlier that the lack of medicine in stores was not due to a shortage but caused by increased demand.