Certain giant grocery stores in DC began distributing the Modern COVID-19 vaccine to qualified health workers on Saturday.
Giant pharmacist Samir Balile prepares the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Moderna at Giant on 7th Street NW on Saturday. (WTOP / Melissa Howell)
WTOP / Melissa Howell
Giant pharmacist speaks to healthcare professional who was about to receive the Modern COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday in DC (WTOP / Melissa Howell)
WTOP / Melissa Howell
Certain giant grocery stores in DC began distributing the Modern COVID-19 vaccine to qualified health workers on Saturday.
Jim George was one of the first to receive the vaccine at Giant on 7th Street NW.
“They made us very comfortable; it was a smooth operation here, ”he said.
George works with older disabled patients and said that their safety and the well-being of his family is why he decides to get vaccinated, but he is still taking precautions, including wearing his mask until the CDC says otherwise. “We want to make sure that we are protecting ourselves.”
Healthcare workers like George, who work in assisted living centers, are covered by Phase 1a of the DC vaccine distribution plan.
Samir Balile, clinical program manager for 7th Street Giant, said the partnership between his employer and the DC Department of Health and Human Services is an example of the national effort to make the vaccine more accessible.
Ease of access to health care, he said, “[is a barrier] associated with the COVID pandemic and general health resources ”.
The Modern vaccine is being offered to healthcare professionals who make an appointment at some Giant pharmacies seven days a week, from 10 am to 3 pm.
The following groups are eligible to be vaccinated under the guidance of Phase 1a:
- Full-time and part-time hospital staff
- Nursing staff and residential care facilities
- Outpatient and auxiliary care providers
- Home health service providers
- Health care providers in long-term care facilities
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Emergency services and public security workers
- Frontline public health team
More news about Coronavirus
Looking for more information? DC, Maryland and Virginia are rolling out more data every day. Visit their official websites here: Virginia | Maryland | A.D
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