BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is hosting a series of community events across the country to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, as part of an effort to drive higher vaccination rates in vulnerable communities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing Walmart with an allocation of the vaccine for this new effort, which Walmart is launching in partnership with local community leaders and nonprofit organizations.

These new events mark an expansion of Walmart’s role with the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and are supplementing the retailer’s ongoing vaccination program at more than 1,400 pharmacies nationwide in 35 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., through federal and state efforts.

Walmart said it selected many of the new locations after an analysis of area demographics, local health needs and gaps in critical access to medical services. The goal was to pick communities where Walmart can make the greatest impact for populations most in need. The community vaccine events will take place at 43 locations across 18 states, including drive-thru locations in Walmart parking lots. Other vaccine events will be held at offsite locations, where they will be held in partnership with such community organizations as Casa del Inmigrante/Immigrant Home Foundation, a nonprofit serving immigrants in Las Vegas, Nevada; the Indianapolis Urban League in Indiana; and Jackson Housing Authority and Wishrock at the Golden Key Envision Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

“We have two goals as we administer vaccines: first, to reach as many people as possible to enable reopening efforts, and second, to ensure equitable vaccine distribution across the communities we serve,” Walmart Health & Wellness executive vice president Dr. Cheryl Pegus said. “We have focused most of our events in medically underserved neighborhoods, and we are proud to play a part in increasing access to the vaccine in these communities. We will continue to engage within our communities to find new ways to reach additional customers with our vaccination programs as we work towards the eventual end of the pandemic.”

Walmart plans to continue these new events over the next several weeks as vaccine allocations allow and is currently planning them in the following states:

• Alabama
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nevada
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia

Vaccine supply and eligibility will vary based on state and local guidelines, Walmart said, adding that eligible customers can schedule vaccine appointments via its digital scheduler at walmart.com/COVIDvaccine. Appointments are limited and will be updated as vaccine allocation allows. In addition to scheduling appointments, the digital scheduler will provide a reminder when it is time for customers to return for their second dose of the vacci