MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Nearly 200 Walgreens locations across the state will soon begin offering coronavirus vaccines as part of a new federal program to be launched this week.
On Thursday, the Department of Health Services explained that the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program in Wisconsin’s effort will begin at 178 Walgreens pharmacies. The agency noted that many of the stores are in underserved areas in the state.
“This partnership is another tool to support the excellent work that local public health is doing in our communities,” said Governor Tony Evers in a statement.
Health officials warn that the new pharmacy-based initiative will have a limited scope to start due to supply restrictions. To start, the 178 pharmacies will have to share 17,800 doses of the Modern vaccine.
Wisconsin Walgreens will only offer the COVID-19 vaccine to those who qualify under DHS guidelines. The relatively few doses, however, mean that not everyone who qualifies may be able to get the vaccine right away.
Although more groups are expected to be added in early March, the vaccine is approved only for:
- Frontline health professionals;
- Residents in specialized nursing and long-term care facilities;
- Police officers, firefighters and prison officers;
- People over 65.
Those who qualify will need to make an appointment online through the Walgreeens website. It is planned to install a call center for those who do not have access to the internet, however, according to DHS, it is not available at the moment.
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