Gov. Evers: DHS activated federal government's pharmacy distribution program for Covid-19 vaccine

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has activated the federal government's pharmacy distribution program for the Covid-19 vaccine on Monday, Dec. 14.

It is set to begin on Dec. 28 with skilled nursing facilities, involving the on-site vaccination of residents and staff of long-term care facilities. 

"This announcement is another step forward toward ensuring our most vulnerable Wisconsinites get the vaccine quickly and safely," Gov. Evers said. "While hope is on the horizon, the best way Wisconsinites can help keep the folks living and working in our long-term care facilities healthy and safe is to continue to take every precaution to stop the spread by staying home, practicing physical distancing, and wearing a mask whenever out in public."

According to officials, the program will utilize the Moderna vaccine pending its upcoming Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This is part of a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the national pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS.