The cautious approach comes as Biden’s team tries to speed up vaccine delivery while facing questions about how many doses are not used in the states, trying to help manufacturers increase supplies and exploring options like federally administered mass vaccination sites.
The White House is expected to inform governors of the launch on Tuesday morning, before publicly announcing the plan shortly after noon. The White House coronavirus response coordinator, Jeff Zients, should give an interview briefing at 12:15
The federal government has shipped nearly 50 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to the states, according to CDC data. More than 26 million people received the first dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, and nearly 6 million received the second dose by Monday.
The Trump administration announced last November that the federal government would partner with several independent pharmacies and chains, including Albertsons, Rite Aid, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Publix to administer Covid-19 vaccines. It is not clear whether doses will be sent to all pharmacies that have agreed to be part of the partnership.