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Acadiana eager for first doses as pharmacies begin vaccination process

Posted at 9:40 PM, Jan 04, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-05 12:19:02-05

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to some members of the general public. Louisiana is now in the Phase 1-B, tier 1 of the vaccination process.

That means in addition to health care workers, people over the age of 70 are now able to get the vaccine.

"I'm not afraid of it at all, this is no joke," Jonathan Firmin said outside of his local pharmacy.

Across the state, people like Firmin are ready to take the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 100 pharmacies in Louisiana received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Here in Acadiana, about 21 pharmacies have it on hand for distribution by appointment only. Not everyone who is eligible is able to get it just yet. As many of the pharmacies online received about 100 doses.

Technicians inside Bon Ami Pharmacy returned dozens of phone calls, arranging appointments for people who are eligible to come and get the vaccine.

"Were limiting that so there is not a line going out the door, we have 100s of voice mails right now," Ryan LeBlanc, owner-pharmacist said.

More than 300 people called Bon Ami, hoping to be one of the first. LeBlanc is asking the public to stay calm as the vaccination process begins.

"Just be patient, they did send out doses, not nearly enough yet, but were getting more sent in, hopefully," LeBlanc said.

For now, people like Firmin, will have to wait.

"My immune system is down, I'm in need. I've been watching the news, if I can make an appointment for my age group, I'd like to get started on it. I'll be the first in line, when my group is able to by law," Firmin said.

LeBlanc said they hope to see another shipment next week.

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