In an unexpected twist, some grocery shoppers in D.C. have found themselves getting vaccinated against COVID-19 while simply picking up their groceries. Reports indicate that pharmacists are offering leftover doses of the Moderna vaccine that are nearing expiration to those who happen to be in the right place at the right time.
One recipient, Alex Johnson, shared his experience with NBC Washington: “The pharmacist approached us and said, ‘I have a couple of doses that I’ll have to discard if I don’t give them to someone soon. We close in 10 minutes. Who wants the Moderna vaccine?’”
Due to the stringent storage requirements of the Moderna vaccine, which must be kept between 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, it has to be administered within 12 hours of reaching room temperature to avoid expiration. “The pharmacist is definitely a hero,” Johnson noted, praising her quick thinking to ensure the vaccine didn’t go to waste.
Johnson wasn’t alone in this fortunate event. His friend received a dose as well, and so did local resident Sarah Mitchell, who was shopping at a nearby Safeway. After hearing of the extra doses, Sarah rushed to the store, excited to secure her shot.
Meanwhile, in Arlington, VA, another shopper, Mike Anders, learned about how vaccines were being handled in other parts of the world. Inspired, he called a local Safeway and, after a brief wait, received his first shot.
As word spread about this initiative, many people began reaching out to pharmacies, leading to full waiting lists at various locations. Daniel Wolk, a spokesperson for Giant Food, stated, “The DC Department of Health has informed us that any leftover Moderna doses should be administered to individuals willing to take them, ensuring that we do not waste this life-saving vaccine.”
According to the CDC, over 5.9 million individuals in the U.S. have been vaccinated against COVID-19, with more than 21.4 million doses distributed across states and territories. Most initial vaccines have been given to frontline healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes.
For the most current information regarding COVID-19, we recommend visiting local public health department resources, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization, which is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
If you’re interested in more health-related topics, check out our other blog post here. You can also learn about fertility aids from experts at Make a Mom.
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In summary, D.C. pharmacists are creatively ensuring that no vaccine doses go to waste by offering them to lucky grocery shoppers who find themselves in the right place at the right time. This initiative not only helps individuals get vaccinated but also contributes to the larger public health goal of combating COVID-19.
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