Meuser wants independent pharmacies part of state’s vaccine distribution

DALLAS — U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser has sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of Health, Alison Beam, urging the commonwealth to reengage independent pharmacies as vaccine providers to increase access and promote equitable distribution.

Meuser, R-Dallas, said Pennsylvania currently ranks 46th among states for the rate of senior citizens who have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

“Over the last several weeks, the Department of Health has made needed improvements to the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines,” Meuser said. “Vaccine supply is increasing, yet Pennsylvania ranks 46th among states for the rate of senior citizens who have received at least one dose.”

Meuser said he is concerned that the Department of Health’s decision “to sideline independent pharmacies” had a negative impact on vaccine access, especially for under-served and vulnerable populations.

“I was assured in a call this week that independent pharmacies will resume receiving first dose allocations at some point,” Meuser said. “I ask the Department to provide clarity on when allocations will resume and to reengage independent pharmacies as soon as possible.”

Meuser said he has heard from independent pharmacies in the 9th Congressional District that were negatively affected by the state’s decision to temporarily curtail the number of vaccine providers. He said many independent pharmacies had already vaccinated thousands of eligible individuals and diligently adhered to the Department’s guidelines.

“These providers have had to cancel thousands of appointments for individuals who are eager to be vaccinated, creating long waiting lists without any indication as to when they will receive additional doses,” Meuser said. “This high level of uncertainty disproportionately affects eligible senior citizens, many of whom have existing relationships with these pharmacies and may experience unnecessary obstacles finding and accessing an alternative provider.”

Meuser said independent pharmacies have earned their local reputation through years, and often generations, serving a community. He added that several states and Philadelphia, a separate vaccine jurisdiction from the Commonwealth, have had notable success engaging independent pharmacies to increase access and promote equitable vaccine distribution.

“While I can appreciate the need to be strategic in allocating doses, it is critical that independent pharmacies be reengaged as vaccine providers for the benefit of the communities they serve,” Meuser said. “Their previous success and high level of trust and accessibility are reason to resume allocating vaccine doses to them as soon as practicable.”