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Some pharmacies in Oregon will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible Oregonians next week as part of a new distribution program.
The federal government will ship approximately 1 million doses of the vaccine directly to 6,500 pharmacies across the country as it launches the first phase of the federal retail pharmacy program, White House officials said on Tuesday. Pharmacies can start vaccinations at no cost as early as Feb.11, officials said.
The White House is working with 21 national partner pharmacies and independent pharmacy networks representing more than 40,000 pharmacies nationwide, although not all partner pharmacies will receive doses during the first phase of the program.
Oregon’s share of the doses will go to Costco, Health Mart Pharmacies and Albertsons Companies, which includes both the Albertsons and Safeway stores. So far, most vaccines have been administered in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and special vaccination sites such as the Oregon Convention Center.
Jill McGinnis, a spokesperson for Albertsons, said the company expects around 11,500 doses will be shipped to 115 Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies in Oregon next week, with around 100 doses at each location. But she said the number of vaccine doses society receives could change.
Oregonians currently eligible to receive vaccines under state guidelines will be able to sign up for online appointments through the company once they have the vaccines, McGinnis said.
Healthcare workers, people living in nursing homes and other collective care facilities, childcare providers, and teachers are currently eligible to receive vaccines in Oregon. Seniors in Oregon will begin to become eligible to receive vaccines next week, with those over 80 being eligible as of February 8, according to guidelines from the Oregon Health Authority.
Albertsons and Safeway have posted information on vaccine availability and registration online at www.albertsons.com/COVID-19 and www.safeway.com/COVID-19. The appointment slots are not yet available because the company does not yet have its vaccine allocation.
“The demand is high and nominations are often claimed very quickly, and we ask the public to be patient,” McGinnis said. “As dose allowances increase, the ability to make an appointment will also increase. The Company asks the public to please check the website first for the most recent information, before calling your local store or pharmacy. “
A spokesperson for Health Mart Pharmacies said it was not yet clear how many doses of the vaccine would be shipped to its pharmacies in Oregon next week. The two Health Mart locations are in Eugene and Creswell.
Costco declined to comment on their plans. There are 13 Costco stores across Oregon.
The White House said it chose pharmacies to receive initial doses based on several factors, including their ability to reach populations most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, told reporters on Tuesday that the federal government views the first weeks of the retail pharmacy program as a trial. He said it could be increased over time, with doses eventually shipping to around 40,000 pharmacies across the country.
– Jamie Goldberg | [email protected] | @jamiebgoldberg
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