ATLANTA — When the COVID-19 vaccine is approved and shipped out, the first doses will be headed to Walgreens and CVS, which have contracts with the federal governments through Operation Warp Speed.
The pharmacies have thousands of workers ready to hit the road, to set up mobile clinics inside nursing homes and care facilities all over the country.
Both national chains have experience getting flu vaccines to tens of millions each year.
CVS and Walgreens will follow the plan laid out by the CDC.
[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus Pandemic in Georgia]
“Right now we’re really focused on vaccine administration where it’s immediately needed: long term-care facilities and health care workers,” said Walgreens SVP Rick Gates.
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Walgreens says they plan to start vaccinations within 24 hours. But those at less risk will have to wait till after the new year for more widespread distribution.
“Once we get past that and have broad vaccine availability in 2021, we’ll be working with states to get that in all of our stores and communities,” Gates said.
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Channel 2 Action News talked to many people anxious to get the vaccine, who don’t have concerns about possible side-effects, or with the speed it was created.
“Having daughters and a mother, that’s also autoimmune compromise, it runs in our family, it’s important that we have a very good vaccine,” said Kieron Anderson, from Henry County.
Others said they’re also concerned about vulnerable family members and will get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect them.
“I can’t afford to possibly bring them something and I don’t want to live in fear anymore of that. For me, that’s just not acceptable,” said Sarah Evans, from Clayton County.
Both Walgreens and CVS said they’re on pace to meet their hiring goals, each adding 10,000 or more pharmacy workers to help with vaccinations.
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