For nearly four decades, CS Family Pharmacy in the western suburbs of Chicago has been a known and trusted name in its community.
It has been operating in the western suburbs of Chicago for 39 years, building and maintaining deep roots in the community. One of the area’s larger pharmacies, CS Family Pharmacy was quick to understand the value of vaccination services to both patients and their pharmacy operation. Over the years, owner and pharmacist Phil Thomas has leveraged a focus on patient convenience and operational excellence, anchored by community engagement and efficient workflow, to grow their vaccination program into a core revenue stream for the business.
Community Engagement: A Key Program Driver
The real driver of their vaccine program, Phil explains, is community engagement. CS Family Pharmacy holds 25–30 vaccine clinics annually, primarily at assisted living and senior communities.
Getting those placements, though, requires not only a trusted provider but a personal connection. Phil and his wife Nancy have long been a part of the senior care community and have developed lasting relationships with directors of nursing in the area over the years.
That foundation has positioned them to work at-scale in some cases, like with Spectrum, a corporate entity with numerous assisted living and independent living facilities in the Chicago area. Spectrum invited CS Family Pharmacy into one of their Chicago locations initially, then began to bring them in for other locations based on the pharmacy’s strong rapport with clients and efficient execution.
Balancing Clinic Planning and Walk-In Demand
Clinic planning is carefully managed to focus on volume and operational resources, including for the flu vaccine. Phil says their team hits full steam on flu and COVID vaccines from September and October, to minimize time requirements at peak demand. They return for second-dose catch-up clinics at a later date.
Clinics represent one half of the volume for this program, as Phil points out that walk-in demand is also robust and reliable. Customers can expect to “walk in, get your shot in five to ten minutes, and walk out,” with no appointment necessary.
Workflow is Foundational
That experience depends entirely on workflow. Illinois allows certified pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines, and CS Family Pharmacy employs four to five certified immunizer technicians trained through programs such as McKesson’s. This reduces pharmacist interruptions and keeps operations moving smoothly. Phil also precepts students from three pharmacy schools, all certified immunizers who can step in during busy periods or clinics.
To prepare for vaccination season, the pharmacy maintains access to a retired pharmacist, five nurses, and its trained technician team. This flexibility allows the program to scale while supporting both in-pharmacy demand and offsite clinics.
Phil is clear about the formula for success: start with workflow. Patients won’t wait in line—they’ll choose a pharmacy that runs efficiently. True walk-in access requires cross-trained staff, repeatable processes, and the ability to move seamlessly from intake to administration, even during peak season.
The Path to 5,000 Vaccines
CS Family Pharmacy is projected to administer 5,000 vaccines this year, driven by patient-first design and operational discipline. Product selection plays a role as well. For example, the pharmacy stocks RSV vaccines that come in pre-filled syringes, eliminating time-consuming reconstitution during busy clinics.
Phil also leverages favorable supplier dating terms, including extended payment windows and credit card use, providing flexibility while reimbursements arrive through Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part B.
Ultimately, the program’s success isn’t tied to a single season or tactic. It’s the result of a system built intentionally from the inside out. Community partnerships bring patients in, but workflow keeps them coming back. When workflow is designed and executed well, patient experience, efficiency, and reimbursement all work together.
Community Partnerships Bring People in, but Workflow Keeps Them Coming Back.
Certified technicians, efficient product choices, predictable processes, and patient-first access points all reinforce one another.
As a result, Phil has proven a simple truth: when workflow is well-designed and consistently executed, all other pieces — from patient experience to reimbursement — work together, as well.
CS Family Pharmacy’s vaccination was built by designing workflow first, supporting staff with the right training, and creating access points patients trust. If your pharmacy is looking to expand immunization services, manage higher volume without disruption, and turn vaccines into a sustainable growth engine, the right workflow makes all the difference. With thoughtful planning and the right support, your pharmacy can build a vaccination program that works season after season.
