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Shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine are arriving at the country’s main pharmacies, while the government works to inoculate more Americans.
Earlier this month, the Biden government announced that it was moving to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, releasing more doses to states and starting to distribute them to retail pharmacies.
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The number of participating pharmacies and the distribution of vaccines are expected to accelerate as manufacturers increase production. For now, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Sam’s Club are among the neighborhood pharmacies that have already started administering vaccines to eligible recipients in the federal retail pharmacy program.
CVS is currently offering COVID-19 vaccines to “eligible populations” in a limited number of locations in 11 states. CVS said the vaccines will be offered “by appointment only”. Appointments can be made online or through the Pharmacy CVS app. If qualified recipients do not have access to either, they can contact customer service.
Walgreens is also offering limited vaccines in 15 states and jurisdictions to eligible beneficiaries, including healthcare professionals, people aged 65 and over, and individuals with pre-existing illnesses.
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The retail pharmacy has also set up an online scheduler to make appointments. For now, Walgreens will not supply vaccines on a mobile basis due to the fact that “vaccine supplies are still limited,” the company said.
In addition, more than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states are receiving federal vaccines.
Eligible recipients can schedule a vaccine appointment directly on Walmart and Sam’s Club websites. However, it is not necessary to be a member to be vaccinated at Sam’s Club, according to Walmart.
WALMART, SAM’S CLUB PHARMACIES TO START COVID-19 VACCINES FRIDAY
If customers create a profile, they will also receive an alert when it is time to receive the second dose of the vaccine.
Other large chains such as Rite Aid, Costco and some supermarket pharmacies will also receive doses.
Pharmacy doses will be distributed to states by population, but the priority will be to bring the vaccine to minority communities that have suffered a disproportionately high number of illnesses and deaths from the virus, said Jeff Zients, COVID-19 coordinator for President Biden task force.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.