MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Nearly 200 Walgreens locations across the state will soon begin offering coronavirus vaccines as part of a new federal program that will be launched this week.
On Thursday, the Department of Health Services explained that the federal retail pharmacy program effort in Wisconsin will begin at Walgreens ’178 pharmacies. The agency noted that many of the stores are in parts of the state with little service.
“This partnership is another tool to support the great work that local public health is doing in our communities,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement.
Health officials warn that the new pharmacy-based initiative will have limited scope to get started due to supply constraints. For starters, the 178 pharmacies will have to split 17,800 doses of the Modern vaccine.
Wisconsin Walgreens will only offer the COVID-19 vaccine to those who meet DHS guidelines. The relatively low doses, however, mean that not everyone who meets the requirements may be able to get the vaccine immediately.
Although more groups are expected to be added in early March, the vaccine is only approved for:
- Front-line health workers;
- Residents in specialized nursing and long-term care centers;
- Police officers, firefighters and correctional officers;
- People over 65 years.
Those who meet the requirements will need to make an online appointment through the Walgreeens website. A call center is planned for those without Internet access, but according to DHS, it is not available at this time.
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