Intermittent Closures at Walgreens Pharmacy in Vincennes Affecting Customers

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Many people have taken to social media to express frustration with the recent temporary closures of a Vincennes pharmacy.

Several posts shared on Facebook allege that the Pharmacy at Walgreens on College Avenue has been closed multiple times since November 20.

The pharmacy was listed as temporarily closed on Monday, December 8 on the store's website.

Most recently, the pharmacy was closed on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30.

A sign posted in the drive-thru window cited “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason for the intermittent closures.

Some customers told WAKC News Now the closures have created challenges not only in picking up prescriptions but also in transferring them to other pharmacies.

One person shared they had to work with Walgreens in Jasper, Indiana, to transfer their infant child’s prescription to a different pharmacy.

“I caught her cough before it developed into something worse, but wasn’t able to start breathing treatments for two days because of Walgreens,” the individual said.

Have the recent temporary closures at the Vincennes Walgreens Pharmacy affected you or someone in your household?

• Yes, they have affected me or someone in my household
• No, they have not affected us

Another customer reported that their insurance was billed for a prescription they were unable to pick up.

“I had two [prescriptions] I needed and had to call CVS to see if they could fill them. They did, but because Walgreens had already billed insurance, the claim was denied and I had to pay out of pocket with a discount card,” the customer told WAKC News Now.

WAKC News Now reached out to Walgreens by email to ask why the pharmacy has been closing intermittently.

A spokesperson provided the following statement:

“Walgreens remains committed to ensuring patients have access to trusted, high-quality pharmacy and healthcare services. Like other retail pharmacies, we are experiencing staffing shortages and temporary operating hours. We have taken, and continue to take, steps to address the situation and improve our patients’ experience. Customers can use our online store locator to find nearby Walgreens locations and hours.”

WAKC News Now also asked the spokesperson whether any additional closures are expected, why the closures are occurring, and what options customers have for obtaining their medications.

The spokesperson replied, “We have no additional information to share at this time other than the statement provided.”

As of Monday, the Walgreens careers website listed open positions for a pharmacy manager, pharmacy intern, and pharmacy intern graduate at the Vincennes location.

One of the customers who spoke with WAKC News Now said they feel the frequent, unexpected closures are irresponsible.

“I understand being short staffed, but these are lifesaving meds people need,” they said.

Customers who wish to provide feedback to Walgreens about the closures can do so online or by calling 1-800-925-4733.