Four Oaks, NC – As of Friday, access to the COVID-19 vaccine is expanding.
Retail pharmacies across the country have received 1 million doses from the federal government and will begin administering those doses today.
Here in North Carolina, that includes Walgreens. More than 300 Walgreens stores in our state have about 100 servings each. These will be given only by appointment.
But it is not just the national pharmacy chains that now administer the vaccines. Some of our stores in small towns are also helping to obtain weapons.
Realo in Four Oaks in Johnston County is one of those smaller local pharmacies that now help distribute the vaccine.
It will be a busy day. The owner said that they will vaccinate about 3 people every 5 minutes.
This is the drugstore’s second clinic. Photos posted on Facebook show the first clinic in January, when the drugstore distributed 400 doses.
This weekend they are totally busy – with 900 appointments between today and tomorrow.
Some residents are more likely to trust their own local pharmacist – which is useful during a period when some people are still nervous about getting the vaccine.
Pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite-Aid are also distributing their first doses today as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.
You can also check with your local pharmacy.