On Friday, HHS announced a partnership with two chain pharmacies to deliver COVID-19 vaccine options to LTC facilities. That’s the top-line news you may hear, but please note: The program is not limited to these pharmacies. Because any vaccination plan that does not include independent pharmacies is destined to fail, the plan does allow for pharmacy choice on the part of the facility. Including independent pharmacies is critical, especially in rural and medically underserved areas. Allowing for pharmacy choice in this program is in direct response to NCPA and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists concerns. Read the news release from HHS here.
If you are an LTC pharmacy provider interested in offering COVID-19 vaccines to facilities you service, let them know of your interest as soon as possible. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities will start responding to a survey on Monday, Oct. 19th choosing their provider of choice, WAG, CVS or their current pharmacy provider. Enroll with your state health department too.
