Many U.S. retailers are partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to administer free COVID-19 vaccines once it has been authorized and approved. Participating retailers include Albertsons Cos., Costco, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Meijer, Publix, The Kroger Co., Walmart, and Winn-Dixie.
Through the partnership, 60 percent of pharmacies throughout the U.S. will have access to the vaccine. Currently, there are no COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized or approved by the FDA and recommended by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, to the CDC. However, this pharmacy partnership is being established in anticipation that one or more COVID-19 vaccines will be authorized or approved and recommended for use in the United States before the end of 2020.
“Ensuring access and affordability of the COVID-19 vaccine for all Americans is a top priority for the Trump Administration,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar, in a statement. “We are leveraging the existing private sector infrastructure to get safe and effective vaccines supported by Operation Warp Speed into communities and into arms as quickly as possible with no out-of-pocket costs. The vast majority of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, and our new agreement with pharmacy partners across America is a critical step toward making sure all Americans have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are available.”
Related: Report: Grocery Sales May Suffer If Vaccine Becomes Available; Retailers Prepare Early for Smaller Thanksgiving Feasts.
from Specialty Food News https://ift.tt/3kyNnsR
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