Appy pharmacy offers vaccine for age 75-plus

Cornerstone Pharmacy in Appalachia has doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available for people age 75 and older.

During a phone interview, pharmacist Dwight Jessee stated that he had people coming from all over Wise County to get the vaccine Wednesday. “We started today and it’s by appointment only.”

He explained that each vial contains 10 doses of the vaccine. Once the vial is unthawed and penetrated with the needle, it is only good for six hours. “To be good stewards of what we have, we stay on top of the appointment for that day.”

Jessee explained that when people call to express interest, the pharmacy collects information including their age. Then, the appointment is either scheduled or the person will be called back to schedule once they are eligible, according to the distribution phase. The current vaccine distribution phase is 1b.

Jessee said he is not sure if people from Kentucky can receive the vaccine, since it was distributed by the Virginia Department of Health. He is awaiting a response from the agency.

Anyone interested in scheduling a vaccination can contact the pharmacy at 276/ 565-3434.