Walmart ramping up to administer COVID-19 vaccines at stores nationwide

Walmart is mobilizing its in-store pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

The nation’s largest retailer said it is preparing more than 5,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies to receive the vaccine doses. The prep work includes making sure the stores have the appropriate freezers, as well as dry ice to handle any requirements for storing the vaccine. The company is also educating its employees about the vaccine and putting in place processes to help people keep track of their first and second doses of the vaccine. 

Walmart said is entering into agreements with states to be able to support vaccinations where needed, whether in its pharmacies or long-term care facilities where the states determine they need the help. (As previously reported, CVS Health and Walgreens have entered into agreements with the government to administer the vaccine to staff and residents at nursing homes and other facilities.)

“With 90% of the American population living within 10 miles of a Walmart, we will play an important part in making sure those who want a vaccine can get one when they are eligible based on their state’s prioritization, especially those in hard to reach parts of the country that have recently been hit hard by the epidemic,” stated Dr. Tom Van Gilder, chief medical officer, Walmart, in a post on the chain’s website.