Pharmacies across the region are scrambling to obtain COVID-19 vaccines for their customers. And for small, independent drug stores, it's an even bigger challenge.
Pharmacist Kaitlin Sullivan owns Palmer's pharmacy in Russellton in West Deer Township. She said they're ready to go and are expecting their first shipment of the vaccine sometime next week. However, they're being cautiously optimistic.
"Due to the shortage, we're not guaranteed what we ordered," she said.
While the struggle to secure vaccine doses has been tough for smaller pharmacies, community support has been plentiful. Sullivan says she already has a volunteer team of nurses and student pharmacists from local universities like Pitt and Duquesne who are ready to help administer shots quickly.
"I have a lot of volunteers. It's been really amazing," said Sullivan. "I feel like this is just an amazing community."
She is also working with the local American Legion to use their space to set up vaccine clinics.
