The error violated Governor Ron DeSantis’ Seniors First vaccination plan, but Walmart says it will honor commitments made during the window when expanded access is available.
Earlier this week, Florida said vaccines would be available at 119 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the state. And on Walmart’s scheduling website, Florida residents deemed extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 by hospital providers were able to register.
However, DeSantis said last month that the state would prioritize those 65 and older, along with residents and staff at long-term care facilities and health professionals with direct contact with the patient for the vaccine.
He said only hospital providers can vaccinate people they believe are extremely vulnerable to Covid-19.
But despite the confusion, Walmart says it will honor the nominations.
“Walmart is working to align our scheduling system with the specific populations that the state has asked us to vaccinate under the federal retail pharmacy partnership. We are honoring all appointments that have been made to date in all categories listed in the Order Executive, “Walmart spokesperson added.
The spokesman said the retailer did not know how many people signed up for the vaccine, but promised to honor everyone who did.
CNN also contacted DeSantis’ office for comment.
The Biden government announced last week that the federal government would begin direct shipments of coronavirus vaccines to retail pharmacies, with a total of one million doses going to about 6,500 stores as part of the program. These doses are separate from the allocations that the federal government sends to each state, although they are still subject to each state’s eligibility guidelines.
The National Association of Drug Stores says the goal of delivering 100 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in 30 days is realistic, but pharmacies will need enough doses to do so.
“Ultimately, NACDS member pharmacies can meet and exceed the 100 million vaccination limit in one month, but it is important to understand that vaccine supply remains the rate-limiting factor in the vaccination effort,” said Steven Anderson , president and CEO of NACDS.