What's Happening?
AmerisourceBergen has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to facilitate the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through independent community pharmacies. As part of the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccination, AmerisourceBergen will act as a network administrator, placing orders with the CDC on behalf of eligible members of the Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Elevate Provider Network. This initiative aims to ensure that independent retail pharmacy customers receive a direct allocation of COVID-19 vaccines once there is sufficient supply to support broader vaccination efforts. The vaccines will be distributed by the CDC's central distributor, enhancing access to immunizations across the U.S.
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Why It's Important?
The agreement between AmerisourceBergen and the CDC is crucial in expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly through independent community pharmacies, which serve as vital healthcare access points for many Americans. With over 90% of the population living within five miles of a community pharmacy, this partnership leverages the pharmacies' reach to provide critical vaccination services at no cost to recipients. This effort is expected to augment vaccine access as supply increases, supporting the broader public health goal of achieving widespread immunization against COVID-19.
What's Next?
As vaccine supply becomes more abundant, AmerisourceBergen will continue to coordinate with jurisdictions to optimize COVID-19 vaccination coverage nationwide. The program will focus on expanding access beyond initial critical populations, ensuring that community pharmacies are equipped to administer vaccines effectively. This collaboration is poised to play a significant role in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus, with independent pharmacies ready to support their communities in this next phase.
