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Walmart announced on Friday that it expects to deliver up to 13 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine per month “when supplies and allocations permit”.
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The retailer plans to offer the vaccine every day at its more than 5,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies through in-store vaccination clinics and major community events, said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president of health and wellness at Walmart, in a note to customers.
Pharmacy from a Wal-Mart Stores Inc. location in the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on September 19, 2013. (Patrick T. Fallon / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“With 150 million people passing through our doors each week, we are in a unique position to reach people where they already shop,” said Pegus.
WALMART EXPANDS VACCINES FOR THE US COVID-19 PROGRAM
In November, federal health officials reached an agreement with pharmacies across the United States, including major stores like Costco and Walmart, to distribute free vaccines after they are approved and made available to the public.
The deal, which follows a collaboration with CVS and Walgreens to deliver vaccines to nursing homes, is part of an ongoing effort to make obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine like getting a flu shot.
While waiting for doses, the company works to train thousands of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, while building a digital scheduling tool to make appointments.
Pegus said the company is also in a position to help areas where there are limited pharmacy options. The company has nearly 4,000 Walmart locations “within one or more of the medically underserved areas designated by the federal government” and plans to serve these communities through COVID-19 vaccination events, she said.
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According to Pegus, Walmart has enough staff to partner with community organizations to provide vaccination services in third places, such as churches, stadiums and youth centers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.