U.S. government reaches COVID-19 vaccine agreement with drugstores. The Department of Health and Human Services has reached an agreement with major nationwide pharmacy and grocery store chains that will facilitate COVID-19 vaccine distribution to the general public. Pharmacies will be able to administer COVID vaccines free as they are approved. About 60% of U.S. pharmacies, including those located in grocery stores and large retail chains like Costco, are participating. These pharmacies will begin offering the vaccine once it becomes more widely available to facilitate widespread vaccine coverage. The program is designed as a bridge until supplies are adequate and the private market takes over.