In front of an American flag, nurse Lillian Wirpsza, on the left, administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Shylee Stewart, a birth and delivery nurse at George Washington University Hospital, December 14, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Photo by JACQUELYN MARTIN / POOL / AFP
WASHINGTON – Pharmacies are playing an increasing role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of now, five Giant Food stores in DC are participating in the effort.
Each pharmacy received 600 doses for frontline workers on Saturday morning, said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“Giant is excited to be one of the first retail locations in Washington, DC to help play a critical role in administering the Covid-19 vaccine to essential healthcare professionals, (e) do our part to maximize access to the vaccine quickly and efficiently, “Paul Zvaleny, Director of Pharmacy Operations at Giant, said in a statement.
Jana Berhow, vice president of DC Programs, did not hesitate to apply. She said it is about protecting the vulnerable people she works with on a daily basis.
“It is important to keep them healthy and safe and for me, as a manager, to show my team also ‘I am not afraid of getting this vaccine’, I want to receive this vaccine. We need to do what we can to keep our people safe, “said Berhow.
Two men who work at DC Healthcare are grateful to be among the first to receive the vaccine.
They said they now feel safe and protected. In addition, they had no reaction during the injection.
“A slight sting, unlike that very normal like any other vaccine,” said Jim George.
George’s co-worker Bobble Steven added that “we are very lucky. We are very happy – we are the first to get it”
The clinical program manager for the giant pharmacy, Samir Balile, told FOX 5 that vaccinations will happen daily from 10 am to 3 pm
Balile added that it is a step towards the sense of normalcy that many desire.
“This is a great way to end the year that has been difficult for many people and I think it is a great glimpse of hope that at least we are doing our part to end the pandemic, as well as helping our citizens here in the District of Columbia ,” he said.
At the moment, the vaccine is not available to everyone. Giant’s priority is the elderly and frontline healthcare professionals.
While the general public waits patiently for the vaccine, it is still important to continue wearing a mask, distancing yourself socially and washing your hands.
Mayor Bowser announced that the district will receive doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine throughout the week.
8,775 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are from Virginia and 4,875 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are from Operation Warp Speed
8,000 doses of Moderna vaccine are from Maryland and 12,600 doses of Moderna vaccine are from Operation Warp Speed.