Starbucks is not ready to offer free latte if you receive one COVID-19 vaccine shot, but the coffee giant tries to play its part in overcoming the disease. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said in a blog post this week that he has recruited Starbucks, Microsoft, Costco and other large companies to help launch the vaccine, with the goal of vaccinating 45,000 residents a day.
“This is a massive effort and no matter how noble it will be in 2021: because this is the year we choose to get vaccinated, Washington,” Inslee told a news conference Monday. “We are removing as many impediments as possible for Washingtonians to get vaccinated. We will deliver every dose that comes to our state. We will still be dependent on the federal government for doses, but we will do everything we can once we get here.”
The pulse is coming as many states struggle to develop vaccination programs. Large states, including Georgia, Virginia and California, have been hesitant to distribute vaccines, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Wednesday, Washington has administered less than half of the doses it has received so far from the federal government. That compares to about 90% in West Virginia, which drew praise for its rapid vaccination program.
“Significant humanitarian effort”
Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson has confirmed the company’s participation in the Washington vaccination effort.
“This is an opportunity to serve others and make an impact on a significant humanitarian effort,” Johnson said. “Governor Inslee has convened some of the best public and private resources and capabilities to engage in a concerted effort to optimize and accelerate the vaccination process throughout our home country. We are proud to contribute in all our ways to help operationalize and expand equitable access to the vaccine. “
Starbucks allocates workers from its operational, workforce and deployment services, analysis and information, and other departments to help design effective and beneficial vaccination sites for patients, Starbucks said. Crucially, given the potential costs, the company donates its labor to the state and will continue to pay employees while working on the vaccination program.
“It’s like a single-product Starbucks,” Johnson said of the effort.
Construction of a simulated vaccination site
The Tryer Center at Starbucks, the lab where the company develops new store models and systems, has already built a simulated vaccination site to test. One of its goals is to help speed up people through the vaccination process and avoid any blockages.
A company spokesman told CBS MoneyWatch that its experience of serving 100 million customers a week in 30,000 stores around the world is no different from a mass immunization campaign.
“Basically, our role is to find out how we help these sites and the health department as they set up vaccination sites. How we get vaccines to people faster and do that with one person at the center of every decision,” he said. The word said, while noting that Starbucks physical stores will not be rebuilt as vaccination centers.
Microsoft will provide technological expertise to accelerate the launch, President Brad Smith said at a recent news conference. Its technology will be used to help distribute the vaccine, as well as to keep track of people’s vaccination schedules and records. Microsoft also volunteered to use its campus and other facilities as a vaccination site.
Kaiser Permanente and Costco are also joining forces. The healthcare system helps distribute the vaccine to healthcare providers across the country, while the discount chain has been hired to help deliver the vaccine to local pharmacies.