ORLANDO, Fla. — Records show the state of Florida has hired a private company to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines at long-term care facilities in the state.
Florida initially authorized the distribution of the vaccine to assisted living facilities on December 29, but CVS Pharmacy didn’t start making headway administering the doses until this week, only vaccinating slightly more than 6% of the facilities with which they’re partnered.
READ: Fears, obstacles keeping Latinos from getting COVID-19 vaccine
That’s why the state says they called on CDR Maguire- the same company that’s been involved in COVID testing- to help with the vaccines.
Our all-hands-on-deck mission of vaccinating Florida’s seniors is underway. As I’ve said from the beginning, we are committed to prioritizing seniors. pic.twitter.com/o6KEdPlhD4
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 11, 2021
Veronica Catoe is the CEO of the Florida Assisted Living Association, which represents more than 650 facilities.
Catoe says she’s pleased the state has brought in a company to help speed up the process.
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“It has been stressful,” Catoe says. “They’ve stepped up and done something, and that’s what we were asking for.”
The state sent a letter to assisted living facilities saying CDR Health will vaccinate facilities that are not scheduled for their initial vaccine clinic through CVS or Walgreens on or before Jan. 23.
CDR Maguire says they’ve been contracted to administer the vaccines in 1,900 facilities, which they started Monday.
💉 New COVID-19 vaccination sites are opening daily as the state continues to receive additional allocations. The state has compiled a list of verified vaccination sites, with contact information for each site.
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) January 13, 2021
➡️ See the full list of sites here - https://t.co/zCpjiT5Ovd pic.twitter.com/Xzweeagqw7
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However, CDR Maguire says they’re not starting their vaccinations in Central Florida, and the state hasn’t said when they might.
“I can’t imagine being that senior or that loved one,” Catoe says. “They’re looking at this as hope. The quicker mom can get the vaccine or dad can get the vaccine, then we can start reliving our lives.”
Catoe says the state has set a goal of getting the first doses of the vaccine to every assisted living facility by Jan. 31.
Cox Media Group
