AmerisourceBergen reaches agreement with CDC to support independent community pharmacies’ access to COVID-19 vaccine

Under an agreement with CDC, AmerisourceBergen will help provide essential COVID-19 vaccination services at no cost for the U.S. population. The company said its Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Elevate Provider Network members will participate in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccination. The company will serve as a network administrator and place orders with CDC on behalf of qualified and eligible Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Elevate Provider Network members, once there is an adequate supply of COVID-19 vaccines to support wider immunization efforts beyond the initial critical populations. Brian Nightengale, president of Good Neighbor Pharmacy, said, “Independent community pharmacies have been fearless and have risen to every challenge that COVID-19 has presented this past year. … We are beyond proud to help our independent pharmacies gain access to COVID-19 vaccine.” More than 90% of people live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy, so pharmacies have unparalleled reach and ability to provide access to COVID-19 vaccine and support broad vaccination efforts. The vaccines will be administered at community pharmacies in close coordination with jurisdictions to enable optimal COVID-19 vaccination coverage and access nationwide.