Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - One million coronavirus vaccine doses are scheduled to go to pharmacies across the country Thursday. And, while local, smaller pharmacies aren't part of this, they're hopeful they'll be part of the next.
Tops won't be a recipient. "Unfortunately, Tops is not part of the federal pilot program. They're allocating around the country," says Sautter. "The federal allocation is going to larger chainwide pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens." Sautter says she hopes down the road Tops will be part of the pilot program or a different program.
In Western New York, CVS locations in Hamburg, Batavia, Olean and Westfield are expected to begin offering the vaccine Thursday.
Sautter says demand has stayed high. "I don't think it's ever really slowed down. Everyone wants to make sure they can take care of themselves and their loved ones. We have been sticking with the 65+ demographic as per state regulations, and we've seen a steady number of people coming for the vaccine," notes Sautter.
Sautter remains hopeful more doses will come. "It's always been a wait and see process every week. We put in our request for an allocation, and we're just hopeful to see what comes in every week to help our community," says Sautter.
Dr. Lisa Harris of Univera Healthcare is also hopeful the federal government will keep its promise of 3 million doses by summer. "We do understand they are trying to ramp up production and see that areas that are in need are receiving the vaccine they need. So, the government is sending a million doses, we can pretty much trust that will happen," says Harris.
As the state divides the allocation it receives, Harris says people should check with their local pharmacies to see if they're eligible and if the pharmacies have doses.
Recently, Harris through her church, The Church of God and Christ, took part in a Facebook Live conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci. "It was really designed toward the Black and Brown communities and church communities to talk about the importance of the vaccine and dispel the myths around the vaccine," explains Harris.
Harris is hopeful the government will continue to produce additional vaccines, as will New York, especially working through churches and other agencies, to make sure underserved communities are getting the vaccine. She's hoping to see more shots administered by spring.
