When the Coronavirus vaccines started arriving, many patients thought they'd be able to get the shot from their family practitioners. But one doctor says it's more complicated than that.
So far, almost all of the vaccine shots have been dispensed by large hospital systems and chain pharmacies that have deep enough pockets to wait months to get reimbursed by the government.
But family doctors who have more limited resources can't wait that long, so they've been reluctant to get the vaccines. And with many people finding it frustrating to get registered for these mega-clinics.
Doctor Harvey Castro tells NBC 5 that some patients are having luck calling up local pharmacies who often have extra doses after opening up a vial.
Dr. Castro says the unused vaccine goes bad after six hours so rather than toss it out, they would be glad to give it to anyone who calls on the spur of the moment.