Operators of standalone independent living communities, blended independent living/assisted living communities and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccines under the new distribution initiative between the U.S. government and major retailers Walgreens (Nasdaq: WBA) and CVS Health (NYSE: CVS).
Under the government’s plan — which is called the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program — CVS and Walgreens will provide and administer Covid-19 vaccines, when they are available, to residents of long-term care facilities. The program will also be made available to long-term care facility staff members who have not been previously vaccinated for Covid-19. The vaccines will be given at no cost to the senior living providers and residents.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Friday confirmed with industry associations including the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and Argentum that the effort will include both independent living communities and CCRCs, or life plan communities as they are also sometimes called.
Operators can indicate which pharmacy partner their facility prefers in an online survey that is open until Oct. 30. Both the industry associations, and HHS, are urging providers to register without delay.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with the Department of Defense, first announced the distribution effort on Oct. 16 as part of the ongoing “Operation Warp Speed” effort to accelerate the development, manufacturing and distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine.