Southeast supermarket chain Publix says it is in communication with Alabama and five other states in its operational area about supplying COVID-19 vaccines.
The news comes as the grocer prepares to offer vaccines at 105 of his stores in Florida.
Communications manager Jared Glover confirmed today that Publix is also talking to employees in Georgia, Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia. Publix has 1,264 locations, 79 of which are in Alabama.
The Tampa Bay Times reported today that Publix is expected to triple the number of stores where the vaccine is available, just a week after its vaccination program launched last week.
The Lakeland-based network is offering vaccination appointments for people aged 65 and over in up to 12 counties.
Vaccines are provided in store pharmacies, for those eligible while supplies last, and free of charge. Appointments are made through an online reservation system.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the first stores were chosen for medium-sized counties that have many elderly people as a percentage, but not so much with health infrastructure. On January 5, Publix and the Florida Department of Health announced that 15,000 doses of the vaccine Moderna COVID-19 would start to be distributed in 22 stores.