Rite Aid pharmacies now administering shots
TRI-CITY AREA — This week’s snow events have impacted local and statewide efforts to get residents vaccinated against COVID-19.
On Thursday, the Lapeer County Health Department said they had not received their weekly delivery of 1,000 total first and second doses of the vaccine due to “delivery concerns by the supplier,” Director Kathy Haskins said.
“We have not yet been given a ship date, which has resulted in the cancellation of several clinics. Those scheduled are being notified and will be rescheduled at the earliest date we can.”
The health department is administering the Moderna vaccine.
According to a statement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) ongoing winter storm conditions in Kentucky and Tennessee are to blame for the shipment interruptions and delays.
The McKeeson Memphis, Tennessee, distribution center, experienced weather-related issues in many aspects including air and ground transport, as well as work force, including personnel for packing and sorting the Moderna vaccine.
As a result, no vaccines were shipped out Monday, Feb. 15 through Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Federal officials are working with McKesson to resume operations as soon as the weather abates.
“They anticipate a significant back log of orders for distribution once operations resume and every effort will be made to catch up as soon as possible while safely delivering the vaccines,” the MDHHS said.
Haskins noted that Rite Aid pharmacies in Lapeer County have started to receive small amounts of the vaccine but residents are being strong discouraged from going to these locations in person to request an appointment.
Online registrations are being taken at https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier.
