Publix Super Markets has expanded the distribution of coronavirus injections to 42 pharmacies in South Carolina, the third state where the grocer is supplying the vaccine.
Publix today began allowing eligible customers in South Carolina to schedule a vaccination through its online booking system at publix.com/covidvaccine, with immunizations starting on Wednesday, January 20. Vaccines are given only by appointment.
In accordance with South Carolina state guidelines, COVID-19 vaccines will currently be administered only to healthcare professionals, people aged 70 and over, residents and employees of long-term care institutions, state / local government employees from South Carolina and contractors who are essential for administering vaccines and COVID-19 tests.
The vaccines, from Moderna, are being provided free of charge and while supplies last. Publix said customers will need to bring their insurance card or Medicare Part B card, and those without insurance must provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.
Publix will supply the coronavirus vaccine through its pharmacies in Aiken counties in South Carolina (two locations), Anderson (one location), Beaufort (four locations), Berkeley (one location), Charleston (seven locations), Dorchester (three locations), Georgetown (one location), Greenville (six locations), Greenwood (one location), Horry (three locations), Jasper (one location), Lancaster (one location), Lexington (three locations), Pickens (one location) location), Richland (three locations), Spartanburg (two locations) and York (two locations).
“At Publix, the health and safety of our communities is a priority,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones in a statement. “We are grateful for this opportunity to step up and provide this important service during this critical time.”
Also today, Publix more than doubled its number of pharmacies in Florida that supply COVID-19 vaccinations, from 105 to 242. The supermarket chain based in Lakeland, Florida, said the state is providing another 70,000 doses of the modern coronavirus vaccine for Publix pharmacies. Online appointments will be made from tomorrow, and vaccines will be administered from Friday, January 22. According to state guidelines, vaccines are being provided to people aged 65 and over.
The new Publix pharmacies prepared to administer the vaccine are in Florida counties of Bay, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Escambia, Flagler, Hernando, Lee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, St. Johns, Santa Rosa , Volusia and Walton.
Publix began administering COVID-19 injections to seniors earlier this month at 22 pharmacies in Florida and then expanded the program to 105 pharmacies in Florida and 108 pharmacies in Georgia last week. Georgia pharmacies are also supplying the Modern vaccine.
The company said it continues to communicate with other states in its operational area to provide COVID-19 vaccines as part of its distribution efforts. Overall, the food and drug retailer operates 1,264 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.