Wendy future of retail top

Walmart gearing up for COVID-19 vaccinations

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart says it is preparing for a major rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, and will be able to deliver 10 million to 13 million doses per month when supply and allocations allow.

Cheryl Pegus

Dr. Cheryl Pegus

“As we look to a future when supply can meet demand and more people are eligible to receive the vaccine, we plan to offer the vaccine seven days a week at our pharmacies, through planned in-store vaccination clinics and through large community events,” Dr. Cheryl Pegus, who was named Walmart’s executive vice president of health and wellness in December, wrote on the retailer’s website on Friday. “We have been preparing by training thousands of pharmacists and pharmacy techs, building a new digital scheduling tool to make appointments easy, and partnering with state and federal agencies as we await allocations.”

Pegus added that Walmart is uniquely positioned to provide vaccinations to the people who need them.

“Walmart and Sam’s Club operate more than 5,000 pharmacies in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, many of which serve underserved communities and the heart of rural America “With 150 million people passing through our doors each week, we’re in a unique position to reach people where they already shop. We’re also a federal pharmacy partner and can accept federal allocation of doses in all our Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies.”

Walmart has nearly 4,000 locations positioned within federally designated medically underserved areas, or “health care deserts,” where consumers have limited pharmacy options. The retailer also has the reach and the qualified, trained pharmacists and pharmacy staff to partner with community organizations to host COVID-19 vaccination events at third party locations like churches, stadiums and youth centers in underserved communities, Pegus said.

“We’re doing everything we can to help ensure the health and well-being of our associates and customers during the pandemic,” she added. “That includes keeping everyone updated and informed. We’re educating essential workers and all associates on getting the vaccine as soon as they are eligible. We are strongly encouraging all associates to get vaccinated but are not mandating anyone receive the vaccine nor are we providing incentives at this time.


ECRM_06-01-22


Comments are closed.

PP_1170x120_10-25-21