MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (WJRT) (5/5/2021) – There is a fading opportunity for people north of the ABC12 viewing area: one of the state’s largest pharmacy chains, Rite Aid, says who has more vaccines than appointments and are looking for people to give them to.
“I want to use those doses because there are a lot of people who need them.”
Jessica Batteen’s work puts her in the front lines of the fight to get as many shots in as many arms as possible. As part of that, pharmacy leader Rite Aid makes sure the chain’s vaccination effort works smoothly. Therefore, what appeared to be a significant overdose could not escape his attention.
“Why would you say that these appointments are not being met? Is it lack of interest or lack of awareness? ”
“I think it’s a lack of awareness and the fact that a lot of it is online,” he replied during a Friday Zoom conversation.
Nationwide, Rite Aid receives about 75,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine regularly. For many of their clinics, this translates into 200 shots and 200 appointments every day five days a week. At some points, including Mt. Nice, for example, about half of these slots have been filled.
“What’s your reaction?”
“It’s a little sad because there are so many people who still need it,” Batteen recounted.
It’s no secret that there have been a lot of scratches on your head when it comes to who to call, where to go and what to do to get that shot as soon as possible. Health departments, hospitals, clinics – all sold out at one time or another due to lack of supply and waiting lists the size of the telephone list. Moral for the story: it’s worth going around.
“The number of patients who came to me at the store while I was there and who thanked me, thank you for having it,” Batteen said.
The pharmacy leader has recently updated store policies under its jurisdiction to make it easier for patients without internet access to do so over the phone.
He encouraged anyone who falls within these CDC guidelines to make an appointment.
“They can easily get an appointment,” he explained. “It’s a live schedule, so every time someone leaves an appointment, someone can take that appointment.”
Again, patients have the ability to do this over the phone or online and hopefully sit down to get a shot in the arm later in the day.
To register for an appointment, click here.
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