In all of Daniel Pharmacy’s years in business since 1963, owner John Daniel Sr. said the last year was one unlike any other.

“Over the years, you always read about or heard about (other viruses),” he said.

The Spanish Flu in the 1910s and ’20s, the Asian Flu in the ’50s, and H1N1 in 2009.

“H1N1 was really supposed to be a pandemic and it never really occurred. But this one was a real experience,” he said. “Last March, when they told everybody to lock down, close businesses, the market went straight down, unemployment (rates) went up to 20%, you thought for sure this was the big one they talked about.”

But through it all, the Central Avenue mainstay — an essential business more than ever, as the coronavirus proved — steadily made it through the year. Now, it positions itself to deliver a break to locals hoping for the beginning to the end of the virus through vaccinations.

“As the number (of infections) subsides and people feel more comfortable getting out with warmer weather, I think there’s going to be some very good times again,” Daniel said.

He credits the business’ strength over the last year to his dedicated pharmacists and employees who never skipped a beat.

“Out of all of our employees, not one of them ever said they couldn’t come to work because of it. They might’ve been sick and missed a day, but they never once questioned coming to work,” Daniel said. “When somebody did get sick, the ones who were able to work shouldered the load.”

From March to December, he said the business fared well with few employee illnesses. But even in December, when some were forced to stay home, the others kept operations running seamlessly.

“Don’t worry, we’ll make you proud,” said Pharmacist Lisa Flaherty, according to Daniel.

“The others always came through with taking care of the people,” he said.

To those running Daniel Pharmacy, where many customers enjoy the comfort and familiarity of being on a first-name basis in uncertain times, the work is more than just a job.

“They care about this,” Daniel said. “They enjoy coming to work. No one ran for cover.”

Over the last year, the pharmacy made many adaptations to help keep customers safe while picking up their prescriptions and essentials. Before it was a county requirement, masks were required in the pharmacy. Curbside pickup for prescriptions was implemented, barriers were installed, store layout changed to keep traffic socially distanced and sanitization increased.

And along with those changes, the value of local customer service set the establishment apart from its competitors. As a one-stop shop for mobility and home healthcare solutions, the pharmacy also aims to help customers maintain the same quality of life at home longer without having to leave their home for long-term care.

Every day, the pharmacy works to review its patients’ drug regimens for unusual patterns and adherence for better patient outcomes.

“Some people just like the service where they’re involved in what they do,” the owner said. “They call us all the time to see when we’re going to get the COVID vaccine.”

Years ago, Daniel Pharmacy didn’t give many immunizations. Now, they give them frequently, something they expect to ramp up more soon as pharmacies become the go-to place for convenience and efficiency in the nationwide COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Daniel said that, compared to the H1N1 vaccine, pharmacies are getting involved in distribution earlier. And ones like Daniel Pharmacy that are modernized and prepared will be ready to go.

Their location already has an immunization room in the back and storage just for vaccines. They hope to have vaccines within the next two months.

“We don’t know when we’ll get the vaccine. But when we do, we’ll be ready,” Daniel said. “We’re going to do our part to stop this pandemic. We’ll do whatever we can — extended hours, a few extra people working.”

Those with limited mobility could be inoculated in their vehicle, too.