ARLINGTON, Va.— NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson issued the following statement following President-elect Joe Biden’s remarks today about his administration’s plans related to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Steven Anderson

“Pharmacies and pharmacy teams are ‘all in’ to help all Americans overcome this pandemic and get back to what we need and what we love. It remains our top priority to provide safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations, efficiently and equitably. 

“We greatly appreciate President-elect Biden’s thoughtful and determined remarks and his pledge to ‘fully activate the pharmacies across this country to get the vaccinations into more arms as quickly as possible.’ As we have indicated, pharmacies can meet the demand for 100 million vaccinations in one month assuming that level of vaccine supply is available. Ninety percent of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy. 

“Of vital importance, we share President-elect Biden’s commitment to equity and to overcoming the healthcare disparities that have led to COVID-19’s disproportionate effects on some races and ethnicities and on our neighbors with particular vulnerabilities. Pharmacies and pharmacy teams are committed to enhancing vaccine access both in their stores, mass clinics and mobile clinics – as we have done in collaboration with public health during prior epidemics, pandemics and natural disasters such as hurricanes. The trust of local pharmacists goes a long way in increasing vaccine confidence across all communities.”