99% of long-term care facilities have signed up for free COVID-19 vaccines from CVS, Walgreens

HHS Secretary Alex Azar said Nov. 18 that the department is seeing "tremendous uptake" of a program between HHS, CVS and Walgreens to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to long-term care facilities, with 99% of facilities signed up for the program, CNBC reported. 

In 20 states, all long-term care facilities are enrolled in the program to give free COVID-19 vaccines to seniors, Mr. Azar said.

"Using pharmacy networks allows us to expand access beyond just standalone brick-and-mortar pharmacies, because pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians also provide vaccinations in places like grocery stores," Mr. Azar said during a news conference, according to CNBC. "The ultimate goal here is to make getting a COVID-19 vaccine as convenient as getting a flu shot."

There are about 15,000 long-term care facilities and 35,000 assisted living facilities in the U.S., according to the CDC. 

The program is optional. Facilities can opt in through the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network. 

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