The cautious approach comes as Biden’s team tries to speed up vaccine distribution while grappling with questions about how many doses are unused in states, in an effort to help manufacturers increase supply and explore options, such as a federally-led mass vaccination sites.
The White House is expected to notify governors of the rollout late Tuesday morning, before it is announced publicly shortly after noon. White House response coordinator Jeff Zients will hold a press briefing at 12:15 pm
According to data from the CDC, the federal government has shipped nearly 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to states so far. More than 26 million people have received a first dose of Moderna or Pfizer’s vaccine, and nearly 6 million have received their second dose since Monday.
The Trump administration announced last November that the federal government would partner with several independent pharmacies and pharmacies, including Albertsons, Rite Aid, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Publix, to administer Covid-19 vaccines. It is unclear whether doses will be sent to all pharmacies that have agreed to be part of the partnership.