GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Looking to minimize the spread of COVID-19, Meijer is encouraging its customers to use its new contactless pharmacy tool to manage prescriptions, schedule vaccinations and fill out required forms on their smartphones before visiting the Meijer pharmacy.

The retailer launched its new progressive web app technology earlier this year and has continued to expand it in the wake of the pandemic because it makes customer trips to the pharmacy safer and easier.  The tool allows customers to access a personalized app-like online experience through a link in a text message sent by Meijer Pharmacists to their mobile phone. From there, customers can confirm prescription pick-up times, prepare for and schedule vaccination visits, connect their Meijer mPerks to their transaction and check out on their mobile device.

Meijer began using the technology earlier this year in response to the pandemic. Use of the texting-based pharmacy communication platform has quickly increased among Meijer patients, with more than 600,000 new users since May.

In anticipation of flu season, Meijer has also expanded its texting-based pharmacy services to allow patients to fill out their immunization forms and give their consent online before even stepping foot in the pharmacy. This eliminates the need for in-person paperwork and use of high-touch pens and clipboards. Upon receiving the completed digital form from the patient, Meijer pharmacists complete the transaction and reply with a text message alerting the patient that their vaccine is ready to be administered.

Patients can also schedule a day for their flu shots as far as 10 days in advance. On their scheduled day, they will receive a reminder via text message notifying them that their flu shot is ready. The digital pharmacy system will also automatically notify the State Registry for Immunizations and the patient’s Primary Care Provider once the shot is administered.