As States Hustle To Distribute Vaccines, Big Business Offers A Boost Of Expertise

As the Biden administration rolls out its own plans to fight the pandemic, states have struggled to distribute the vaccine to larger groups of newly-eligible Americans. Some governors are trying to scale up their vaccine operations — and smooth out the logistical kinks — with the help of the private sector.

In Washington state, Starbucks, Microsoft and Costco are lending expertise and manpower to public health agencies that are trying to dispatch their doses of vaccines more efficiently.

In North Carolina, Honeywell and other local businesses worked with the state to organize a mass vaccination event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Thousands of people got their shots over the weekend at the racetrack.

And Google pledged $150 million to "promote vaccine education and equitable distribution" and to help people find "when and where to get the vaccine."

This backup from businesses comes as states continue to navigate uncertainty around when they'll receive doses. A patchwork of vaccination eligibility rules, and myriad ways to sign up for a shot, have left many Americans confused, frustrated and even frightened, as those at high risk of serious complications from the virus continue to wait.