Older Oregonians report positive experiences receiving COVID-19 vaccines through local pharmacies

The federal government last week sent roughly 12,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to more than 120 Costco, Health Mart, Safeway, and Albertsons pharmacies in 27 of Oregon’s 36 counties. The shipments mark the state’s initial phase of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, with each pharmacy receiving roughly 100 doses. Approximately 6,500 pharmacies nationwide are currently participating in the program. The Biden administration seeks to scale up the program to encompass about 40,000 pharmacies nationwide. Individuals who have been able to obtain appointments at Oregon pharmacies say the program is more convenient compared with mass vaccination sites such as those at the Oregon Convention Center or Portland International Airport. Many older adults say they find it difficult to get appointments through the state’s vaccination scheduling website or 211 regional resource service.