Paul Kerry, deputy chief of staff for policy at the Department of Health and Human Services, told reporters at a telephone briefing that drug store chains are best for sending mobile units to vaccinate seniors and other vulnerable people on site.
“This is a completely voluntary program from every nursing home side. This is an opt-in program,” Carey said.
How to deliver the vaccine, including cold storage requirements and personal protective devices, will be on the figure store chains. Officials said vaccinators would have to determine how to charge fees for vaccine administration from Mexicare, Medicaid or private insurance companies, which would be provided to the public free of charge.
Kerry said the Operation Worp Speed team has no idea how many nursing homes retailers would choose to use. “We are not solving anyone,” he said.
Dr. Butler, deputy director of infectious diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that one-third of coronavirus deaths in the U.S. include residents of long-term care facilities.
“We believe this plan will be the fastest and easiest way to provide vaccines to long-term care facility residents,” Buttle told reporters.
Long-term care facility staff and residents are likely to be the first to be vaccinated.
“We fully expect that both Pfizer and Moderna will soon have data on both the safety and efficacy of their vaccines. We are highly encouraged as their clinical trials are running exceptionally well.”
“Part of what we’re doing for this reason is within 24 to 48 hours of the emergency use authorization time, we expect people to put needles in their weapons,” Kerry said. “This is pre-staging for what we believe will be quick information.”
The CDC asked the states to submit plans for vaccine distribution by Friday. Army Major General Christopher Sharpstein, director of supply and distribution for Operation Operation Worm Speed, said the plan would help centralize operations and “ensure that vaccines have comprehensive coverage for the American people.”
“Our goal is to expand vaccine coverage,” Sharpstein said on a call.
Earlier on Friday, President Trump said seniors would be the first to receive any vaccine.
“Seniors will be the first to be vaccinated. And we will end this epidemic soon,” Trump said during a foot visit. Myers, Florida.
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