The executive director of the Association of Community Pharmacies, Linda Ayala, announced Wednesday that the government will incorporate community pharmacies into stage 1B vaccination that includes those over 65 years of age.
“Community pharmacies are scheduled to participate in the vaccination process in Phase 1B which is expected to receive vaccines between the second and third week of January 2021. We are ready to collaborate in the vaccination process. to ensure that pharmacy staff as well as people over the age of 65 can be vaccinated.Community pharmacies have the advantage that they are located across the island, so we can help ensure that the schedule is met. proposed vaccination. Community pharmacies are ready, “Ayala said in written communication.
About 150 community pharmacies signed the contract with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) so they will only need the Department of Health to supply them with the vaccines. Pharmacies that signed contracts have already participated in training on how to maintain the vaccine cold chain and the protocol for inoculating their patients, so they are prepared and trained to make this effort.
“Dr. Iris Cardona, who has led these efforts by the Department of Health, has been a facilitator for the incorporation of community pharmacies into the administration of Covid vaccines as soon as possible. She understands we are professionals in the health we can help make this initiative a success. We have experience with other vaccination campaigns like the flu, “Ayala said.
The executive has pointed out that it is important for people to be aware that where they receive their first dose is where they should receive the second dose of the same vaccine as well.
“Elected Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia and Designated Secretary of Health Carlos Mellado included the Association of Community Pharmacies in the Scientific Committee to attend to the emergency. We are confident that we will continue to count on their support to enable pharmacies be part of the solution “.
In Puerto Rico there are about 850 community pharmacies across the island.