CDC Confirms The Vital Roles That Pharmacists Play In Distributing COVID-19 Vaccine
As the race for a COVID-19 vaccine continues, Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated last week that pharmacists will be able to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children and adults once a vaccine becomes available. According to Redfield, “pharmacies will continue to be an important component of [the CDC’s] vaccine distribution plan.” This announcement follows the US Health and Human Services Department’s recent statement that current law had been amended to now allow any state-licensed pharmacist to administer childhood vaccines to any child over the age of three. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently over 169 COVID-19 vaccine candidates under development, with 26 of these in the human trial phase.
“Pharmacists represented by 727 who work at Osco and CVS locations throughout the Chicagoland area have already been playing an important role in the fight against COVID-19. Whether they are administering COVID testing or continuing to provide essential medical care to our community, they are a huge part of combatting illness during the pandemic,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “We are very proud of the work of these pharmacists and are proud to call these men and women our Teamster Brothers and Sisters. Local 727 will continue to ensure that their employers do their part to recognize their hard work and keep them safe throughout the pandemic.”
Questions or concerns should be directed to Melissa Senatore (Business Agent for CVS) or Sean McGough (Business Agent for Osco) at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected] / [email protected].
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
