Walgreens may start COVID-19 vaccinations in nursing homes by Christmas

Walgreens is ready. 

Appearing on NBC News’ 3rd Hour of Today, Walgreens chief medical officer Dr. Kevin Ban said he thinks people on the front lines of the pandemic will be prioritized “as soon as next week.”

Dr. Ban added that when it comes to rolling out the coronavirus vaccine program in long-term care facilities, “Our expectation is that will happen on Monday, Dec. 21.”

Walgreens and CVS Health have both enterered into agreements with the federal government to vaccinate staff and residents at long-term care facilities. 

The Walgreens medical expert also emphasized the strength of Walgreens’ existing vaccine infrastructure.

“Over the course of the last five years, we have conducted more than 150,000 flu vaccine clinics that are very similar to the ones that we're going to do right now… ,” Dr. Ban said in the interview with Sheinelle Jones. “Back in 2009, we responded with the government to the H1N1 flu pandemic.” 

He added, “Not only do we have the infrastructure, but we also have experience in a pandemic situation. So, we feel very confident about being able to distribute and safely administer these vaccines.”

Ban concluded, “The federal government has purchased these vaccines. Therefore, anyone who is eligible and who receives the vaccine will not have to pay for it, Dr. Ban said, as the federal government has purchased the vaccines.

The exclusive interview aired on NBC News’ 3rd Hour of TODAY this morning.