Wisconsin Is Turning to Local Pharmacies for Help Giving Vaccine to Seniors in Assisted Living

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Wisconsin health officials are asking local pharmacies to help supply COVID-19 vaccinations at small assisted living communities that may not be served by pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said CVS and Walgreens have had problems in other states setting up vaccine clinics at smaller communities. Wisconsin has over 4,000 assisted living communities, with up to 3,000 having 10 beds or fewer. CVS and Walgreens have faced criticism nationally for the slow rate of their immunizations, especially in assisted living communities. Most people who live and work in assisted living in Wisconsin have not yet been inoculated, despite being prioritized for vaccination. CVS and Walgreens have only just commenced administering shots at the state's assisted living communities, while Wisconsin was the last state to launch the federal program for vaccinating assisted living residents. State health officials have asked independent pharmacies to take the place of CVS or Walgreens and provide doses at some smaller assisted living communities to get them the vaccine "as soon as possible."