CVS

More than 200,000 doses of COVID vaccine have gone to waste since December, KHN has learned. Two national pharmacy chains account for most of it.

As the number of people seeking therapy soars during the pandemic, CVS has begun testing a model to offer counseling services at stores in the greater Tampa Bay region, Houston and Philadelphia.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said the additional locations will begin administering vaccines later this week.

His announcement comes after CVS Pharmacy said it would follow President Joe Biden's less restrictive directive to vaccinate school employees regardless of age.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose and was found to be 100 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.

Several CVS pharmacies will start offering COVID-19 vaccines to people 65 and older this week. These are part of the federal government’s partnership with states.

A federal program that sends retail pharmacists into nursing homes to vaccinate residents and workers has been hindered by bureaucratic hurdles and scheduling woes.

Retail pharmacies would be part of a third phase of distribution in Florida. HHS Secretary Alex Azar says ensuring access and affordability is a top priority.

The federal government is offering nursing homes the chance to opt in to the new program, in which pharmacy staff would deliver and administer a future vaccine on site.

Publix, Target and CVS are joining Walmart and a growing list of retail chains nationwide that are requiring customers to wear face masks.