MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (WJRT) (3/5/2021) – There is a dimmed opportunity for people in the northern part of the ABC12 viewing area: one of the largest pharmacy chains in the state – Rite Aid – says it has more vaccines than appointments and are looking for people to serve them.
“I really want these doses to be used because a lot of people need them.”
Jessica Batteen’s work puts her at the forefront of the fight to get as many shots as possible. As part of this, pharmacy leader Rite Aid ensures that the chain’s vaccination effort runs smoothly. So what appeared to be a significant surplus of doses did not escape his attention.
“Why would you say that these commitments are not being fulfilled? Is it a lack of interest or is it a lack of awareness? “
“I think it’s a lack of awareness and the fact that a lot of it is online,” she replied during a conversation on Friday about Zoom.
At the national level, Rite Aid regularly receives about 75,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. For many of its clinics, this translates to 200 vaccines and 200 daily consultations, five days a week. At some points, including Mt. Pleasant, for example, about half of these vacancies have not been filled.
“What is your reaction to that?”
“It’s kind of sad because there are so many people who still need it,” said Batteen.
It is no secret that there has been a lot of concern when it comes to who to call, where to go and what to do to get that photo as quickly as possible. Health departments, hospitals, clinics – all destroyed at one time or another for lack of supplies and phone book-sized waiting lists. Moral of the story: it is worth shopping.
“The number of patients who came to me at the store while I was there and said thank you, thank you for receiving this,” said Batteen.
The pharmacy leader recently updated the policies of the stores under her supervision to make it easier for patients without Internet access to do so over the phone.
She encouraged anyone who met the CDC’s guidelines to make an appointment.
“They can easily get an appointment,” she explained. “It is a live appointment, so whenever someone cancels an appointment, someone can attend.”
Again, patients have the ability to do this over the phone or online and, with any luck, sit down for an injection in the arm later that day.
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