Pharmacies in the U.S. have entered a distribution agreement with federal health officials regarding distribution of COVID-19 vaccines following approval.
The vaccines will be distributed to the public at no cost once the appropriate approvals have been obtained by the manufacturers. The health officials aim to make COVID-19 vaccinations as widespread as getting vaccinated for influenza. The agreement was made with several key drug suppliers, grocery chains, pharmacies, as well as similar networks and chains covering around three to five pharmacies across 50 U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico. The agreement also plans ahead to the next spring season when vaccines that are pending approval may become available to the priority and vulnerable groups which include healthcare staff and residents of nursing homes. The questions which still remains, however, is who is likely to receive vaccination for COVID-19 in the first go?
While authorities have not reached a decision, the general agreement among scholars in the U.S. and across the globe is that frontline workers such as healthcare staff, should be the first ones to get vaccinated, as stated by experts from non-profit organizations involved in vaccine distribution issues such as the Surgo Foundation. A panel of experts advising the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is considering prioritizing workers in essential sectors, people with a certain types of medical conditions, and the geriatric population. Upon receiving the go-ahead from the FDA, the experts will evaluate data from clinical trials regarding side effects and response of different age groups, ethnicities, and health standings. This will help the panel determine and advise the CDC on how the vaccines will be prioritized.
All state governments are likely to follow protocols and guidelines set by the CDC on vaccine distribution. It needs to be noted that initial supply of vaccines will be limited and may not be enough for everyone; although, administering the vaccine to the right groups can be vital for changing the course of the pandemic.