The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will move to exercise an option under a 2016 contract with McKesson (NYSE: MCK) for the distribution of vaccines and associated supplies intended for pandemic vaccination efforts.
The Irving, Texas-based health care company will follow CDC's guidance on the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to administration sites, the Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.
McKesson won the contract four years ago to support the government's Vaccines for Children Program and previously worked with the agency in response to the 2009-2010 flu pandemic caused by the H1N1 strain.
Brian Tyler, CEO of McKesson, said in a statement the company has supported tests, provided personal protective equipment to frontline workers and helped maintain the health care supply chain amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The partnership is working on a detailed plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines once the Food and Drug Administration grants authorization for the availability of such medical product.
