Daytona Beach, FL - Weeks after the debut of the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, data from CVS Health shows that the pharmacy has already administered almost 35,000 vaccines throughout the state.
According to the company's data, the vaccinations were limited to about 8,000 out of the 15,000 skilled nursing homes throughout the country, as those 8,000 have partnered with CVS.
"Our work with long-term care facilities isn't a mass vaccination effort," said Larry J. Merlo, President and Chief Executive Officer, CVS Health. "We're dealing with a vulnerable population that requires onsite and, in some cases, in-room visits at facilities with fewer than 100 residents on average. Despite these challenges we remain on schedule, and the number of vaccines we administer will continue to rise as more facilities are activated by the states."
A press release from the company explained how the process works. The plan calls for pharmacy teams to make three visits to each facility in order to give residents and staff their initial shot and critical booster. The process for Florida began on December 21st.
While specific locations weren't given, a document released by CVS shows that—as of Thursday (January 7th)—34,712 doses were administered throughout 484 "activated" facilities that have partnered with the company. So far, CVS has completed 387 first dose clinics and plans to complete around 76 more over the next week.
CVS is also planning on starting vaccinations at assisted living and other long term care facilities throughout the state by Monday (January 11th). The number of facilities that will include has yet to be released.
An agreement between CVS and the Department of Health and Human Services will also bring COVID-19 vaccines to the company's pharmacies sometime in the future. An exact timeframe has not been revealed, but the company stated in a release that they are in discussions with several states to make a limited number of vaccines available in the coming weeks.
While they are not available yet, CVS has revealed how the vaccines will be dealt with in their pharmacies. Per the company, vaccines will be available on an appointment-only basis through their website or through their app. Additionally, there will be a dedicated phone number for people without online access.
