The federal government will deliver 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to a national network of pharmacies starting Feb. 11 to make more accessories available, the White House said Tuesday.
The shot shipments – which will initially go to 6,500 pharmacies across the country – are part of a broader expansion of the federal effort to inoculate Americans against the deadly virus, said Jeff Zients, COVID-19 White House Response Coordinator.
“This will provide more sites for people to get vaccinated in their communities,” Zients said during a virtual briefing.
Although the first wave would be relatively small due to persistent supply problems, Zients said the plan is to eventually expand the program more than six times.
“This initial phase of activating local pharmacies will receive more blows and will ensure that pharmacies have the infrastructure and experience they need to expand as vaccine supply increases in the coming months,” he said. “Finally, as we increase supply, up to 40,000 pharmacies nationwide could provide COVID-19 vaccines.
“There are places that range from independent local pharmacies to national supermarket pharmacies,” he continued. “This is a critical step in providing the public with convenient and reliable places to get vaccinated in their communities.”
In New York State, CVS will receive approximately 20,600 doses in 32 stores, according to the chain – but that doesn’t include any New York location at the moment.
Walgreens locations, including in the city, will also receive doses as part of the program, although its announcement did not detail the quantities.
CVS and Walgreens have already given vaccines to nursing homes, but these new photos would be available to other eligible people in the community.
Pharmacy vaccines will continue to be subject to state eligibility guidelines as to who can receive the vaccine and when, however. In New York, this currently includes health care workers, teachers, police officers, public transportation workers, people living in homeless shelters, and everyone over the age of 65.
Zients made the announcement Tuesday because it also said the feds will separately increase the number of doses sent to states by 5%.