Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Every American Will Get A Paper Card As Proof Of COVID Vaccination
CNN: Vaccination Cards Will Be Issued To Everyone Getting Covid-19 Vaccine, Health Officials Say
The Department of Defense released the first images of a Covid-19 vaccination record card and vaccination kits Wednesday. Vaccination cards will be used as the "simplest" way to keep track of Covid-19 shots, said Dr. Kelly Moore, associate director of the Immunization Action Coalition, which is supporting frontline workers who will administer Covid-19 vaccinations. (Bonifield and Vera, 12/2)
Bloomberg: CVS, Walgreens Bracing To Give Covid-19 Shots At Nursing Homes
CVS Health Corp. and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. are preparing to administer Covid-19 vaccines in tens of thousands of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities across the country, with shots possibly rolling out in just weeks. Federal advisers on Tuesday urged that residents at long-term care centers be first in line for the Covid shots, along with at-risk health-care workers. In making the recommendation, the advisers said the move would be well-supported by a new partnership formed between the Department of Health and Human Services and pharmacy companies to vaccinate at the centers. (LaVito, 12/2)
New Orleans Times-Picayune: Local Pharmacies To Play A Big Role In The Coronavirus Vaccine Deployment In Louisiana
Before Admiral Brett Giroir spoke at a press conference in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, he had an important stop to make: the local, independently owned pharmacy in his hometown, just over the bridge from where he grew up in Marrero. “This is the front door to medicine in the country, the local pharmacy,” said Giroir, a critical care pediatrician who now serves as Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Ninety-five percent of the American population lives within five miles of a pharmacy.” (Woodruff, 12/2)
KHN: Come For Your Eye Exam, Leave With A Band-Aid On Your Arm
With multiple COVID-19 vaccines rapidly heading toward approval, optometrists and dentists are pushing for the authority to immunize patients during routine eye exams and dental cleanings. Across the country, these medical professionals say their help will be needed to distribute the vaccines to millions of Americans — and they already have the know-how. (Bluth, 12/3)
And former presidents will demonstrate their confidence in vaccine safety —
CNN: Former Presidents Obama, Bush And Clinton Volunteer To Get Coronavirus Vaccine Publicly To Prove It's Safe
Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are volunteering to get their Covid-19 vaccines on camera to promote public confidence in the vaccine's safety once the US Food and Drug Administration authorizes one. The three most recent former presidents hope an awareness campaign to promote confidence in its safety and effectiveness would be a powerful message as American public health officials try to convince the public to take the vaccine. (Gangel and Erdman, 12/2)
