Gretna pharmacy one of nine in the U.S. chosen to distribute COVID vaccine

The Community Pharmacy is honored to play a role in fighting the virus.

GRETNA, Neb. (KLKN) —With the United States approving emergency use authorization of a COVID–19 vaccine, a pharmacy in Gretna is preparing to take on a major role in distribution.

“We know it’s a big responsibility but we want to do everything we can to end this nightmare for them sooner rather than later,” Community Pharmacy owner, Kyle Janssen, said.

Community Pharmacy is one of only nine pharmacies in the U.S. that will get to distribute the vaccine. The first recipients will be those in assisted living facilities in Nebraska and some in Iowa.

“Right now, Nebraska has the 28th as the first day we can host clinics in skilled nursing facilities,” Janssen said.

Things are changing constantly and they don’t have an exact number of how many doses they will receive at first but regardless, come December 28th, they’ll be ready. No matter how many doses the pharmacy receives, they are preparing to distribute the first doses in as quick as 48 hours.

Being chosen as one of the few who can aide in helping the most vulnerable is more than an honor for Janssen and his team.

On top of employees with Community Pharmacy, volunteers from UNMC have stepped up to help in the mass vaccination process.  All hands will be on deck as Gretna prepares to be a part of history.

“It’s really neat to be apart of it. It is something to say, to be in Gretna, Nebraska and you know holding an important piece in the solution for our country,” Janssen said proudly.