Trump Administration Announces Pharmacy Partnership to Vaccinate Long-Term Care Facilities

Strategic Insights -

The Trump Administration's Operation Warp Speed initiative has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of a pharmacy partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Defense (DoD), CVS, and Walgreens. The partnership aims to provide and administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) nationwide with no out-of-pocket costs, addressing a critical need to protect vulnerable Americans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program will provide complete management of the COVID-19 vaccination process, including vaccine handling, administration, and reporting requirements, for LTCF residents and staff across the country.
  • The program will be free of charge to facilities, available for residents in all long-term care settings, and accessible to all remaining LTCF staff members who have not been previously vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • CVS and Walgreens will schedule and coordinate on-site clinic dates directly with each facility, with three total visits over approximately two months expected to administer both doses of vaccine (if indicated) to residents and staff.
  • The pharmacies will receive and manage vaccines and associated supplies, ensure cold chain management, provide on-site administration, and report required vaccination data within 72 hours of administering each dose.
  • The program is an essential step in ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly among vulnerable populations, and will help to save lives and facilitate the nation's recovery from the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • The program aims to vaccinate LTCF residents and staff across the country with no out-of-pocket costs.
  • Three total visits over approximately two months are expected to administer both doses of vaccine (if indicated) to residents and staff.
  • The pharmacies will report required vaccination data within 72 hours of administering each dose.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) release.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield statement.
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma statement.
  • CVS and Walgreens press release.