Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order Monday that allows all pharmacies to administer the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine.

Local pharmacies, such as Unity Pharmacy in Fairfield, are grateful it will have this opportunity to help the community.

Pharmacist Naga Mulpuri, the owner of Unity Pharmacy, helps about 300 to 400 customers a week. She says many customers have been asking about the vaccine as cases rise, and now she's happy she can help.

The Moderna vaccine can be stored in a regular freezer. Unity Pharmacy does not have the freezer to store the Pfizer vaccine, which requires sub-zero temperatures, but Lamont says the coolers for the vaccine will be provided by Pfizer. Big pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, and mom and pop pharmacies are all part of the plan.

Malpuri says her pharmacy is prepared to administer the vaccine, and it has additional pharmacists who can work with them.

If approved by the FDA, Lamont says there will be weekly orders of the vaccine starting as early as next week.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory, but the state says it anticipates at least 70% of residents to be vaccinated.