(KNSI) – Minnesota pharmacies and health care providers are asking to be selected to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine while residents seek appointments at one of nine administration sites statewide.
The head of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, Sarah Derr, told a state Senate committee Wednesday that close to 560 pharmacies have registered as vaccine providers. She added that pharmacies are currently frustrated as they have heard no plans of their involvement than other pharmacies across the country.
Even without any hard, fast statewide plan in place, St. Cloud-based Coborn’s Inc. says it has been preparing for months to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. A press release from the company says all Coborn’s and Cashwise locations will prioritize getting the vaccine to its customers.
Coborn’s says they are working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide the vaccine at no cost to the patient. They say making the vaccine available to everyone will make sure people can get immunized against COVID-19 quickly and efficiently to stop the spread of the disease.
“Guests can be assured that once the COVID-19 vaccine is distributed, our pharmacy staff will partake in the necessary training to ensure the safe administration of the vaccine, as well as educating our patients about the process,” said Lynn Young, Director of Pharmacy Operations for Coborn’s, Inc. “We continue to offer a wide range of pharmacy services that include flu and other routine vaccinations, health screenings and prescription medication needs. Our pharmacists are trained to be vaccine administrators and have become trusted professionals in our communities,” Young said.
Coborn’s added they are continuing stringent cleaning and sanitizing practices in all 59 of its stores. They were one of the first businesses in the area to set aside certain hours for older or higher risk shoppers at the onset of the pandemic.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
