Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy program on February 12. More than 1,000 pharmacies in 22 states are getting their federal vaccine allocations this week, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to health care.
Walmart and Sam’s Club are also administering vaccines under state allocations in 11 more states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
“Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. We’re at the heart of many rural and underserved communities, and we are committed to providing access to vaccines as groups become eligible,” Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, health & wellness, said in a statement. “Vaccinations to achieve widespread immunity are important for re-opening across the country. We’re proud to work together with the federal government, states, communities, customers and associates to reach that goal.”
Vaccine supply and eligibility will vary based on allocation as well as state and local guidelines. The number of vaccinations will be limited and is planned to continue to increase each week.
Walmart recognizes there are people who may have difficulty accessing in-store clinics, so it will be partnering with other providers and organizations to expand access to offsite vaccination clinics. The company will share details of these new vaccine options as they become available.
Related: Foster Farms to Vaccinate 85 Percent of Employees; Walmart Prepares to Deliver Over 10 Million Vaccine Doses Per Month.
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