Rancho Pharmacy at 3835 Avocado Blvd. in La Mesa is offering Moderna COVID-19 immunization appointments daily to individuals ages 18 and older.
Appointments are made via the pharmacy website at myranchopharmacy.com, and those who have questions can call the pharmacy at 619-303-7771. The business owner and pharmacist Fatima Hamade said she also encourages those interested to use the online waitlist if needed since their team is often trying to fill spots last-minute. Those vaccinated are asked to wait 15 minutes on-site for observation or 30 minutes depending on your medical history.
Moderna Vaccine Available to 18+
Hamade shared about the months-long process to get the vaccinations — exploring options focused on lower-income and more vulnerable communities — and making the necessary website adjustments. She kept taking the next step.
Rancho Pharmacy has been a client of the San Diego & Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network for two years. And she spoke highly of her business advisor Joel Sedeno.
“I’m happy I’m open,” she says of the tumultuous last year. “I’ve always wanted to have my own pharmacy.”
Born and raised in Michigan, Hamade attended pharmacy school there and moved to San Diego in 2015.
When asked about the process for being prepared to receive and administer the vaccine, the business owner and medical professional says it was “really easy” and “we’re really trained.” They also follow strict guidelines and protocol including setting up their workflows and getting the word out.
More About the SBDC
The SBDC exists to assist entrepreneurs. Small business owners can reach out to get assigned a business advisor, who can work with owners one-on-one at no cost. Visit SDIVSBDC.org to find the closest SBDC or call 619-482-6391 if needed. The SBDC website also has other information available such as training workshops and pandemic resources, including free COVID-19 small business assistance via sdivsbdc.org/covidhelp to help make sure small businesses are getting all the money available to them.
