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Minnesota pharmacies and health care providers are asking to be tapped to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine as residents clamor for a coveted appointment at one of just nine administration sites scattered across the state. Pharmacies are eager to administer the COVID vaccine, said Sarah Derr, executive director of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, who told a Minnesota Senate health committee Wednesday that nearly 560 pharmacies have registered to be vaccine providers. Pharmacies are currently a little frustrated as they have not heard of any plans … in contrast to pharmacies in other parts of the country, she said.
Local providers say they can offer easier access to vaccines, as the priority for administering the shots shifts from health care workers and long-term care residents to the broader 65-and-over population.
Photo by Steven Cornfield on Unsplash
(KNSI) – Minnesota pharmacies and health care providers are asking to be selected to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine while residents seek appointments at one of nine administration sites statewide.
The head of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, Sarah Derr, told a state Senate committee Wednesday that close to 560 pharmacies have registered as vaccine providers. She added that pharmacies are currently frustrated as they have heard no plans of their involvement than other pharmacies across the country.
Even without any hard, fast statewide plan in place, St. Cloud-based Coborn’s Inc. says it has been preparing for months to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. A press release from the company says all Coborn’s and Cashwise locations will prioritize getting the vaccine to its customers.
December 10, 2020 Jason Varin
With Operation Warp Speed and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) working to expedite COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics, there has become an increased interest in the development process.
University of Minnesota Assistant Professor Jason Varin with the College of Pharmacy addresses how vaccines and drugs are commonly developed and how the FDA can adapt this process to address public health emergencies, such as the current pandemic.
Jason Varin, PharmD
“A standard drug or medical device approval can consume many years from product conception to patient use. While the FDA approval process typically takes up to 10 months, the necessary steps that need to be taken before applying for FDA approval can take up to 10 or more years. These steps include three clinical phases which initially test safety and dosage of the product on dozens of healthy individuals and the later phases focus on efficacy, side effects and adverse reac