Walmart, Sam’s Club begin walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations

Tuesday, Walmart and Sam’s Club announced they’re now offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacy locations across the country, including 80 locations in Minnesota.

Vaccine appointments can be scheduled but walk-ins will now also be accepted, providing another convenient option for customers.

"Now that supply and eligibility have expanded, it’s even more important for us to reach underserved and vulnerable populations to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine," said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Health & Wellness. "Widespread vaccination is the only way we will eventually end the pandemic and help our country reopen, and we don’t want anyone to get left behind as we enter this new chapter in our fight against COVID-19."

The company also launched a nationwide "Get Out the Vaccine" campaign the encourage people to get vaccinated. As part of the effort, Walmart is utilizing mobile clinics to bring vaccines directly into select communities via events and gatherings, the company said.

Walmart and Sam’s Club now have nearly 4,000 locations administering vaccines in areas designated as medically underserved, they said.

Appointments can be scheduled online at the Walmart and Sam’s Club websites.

The company said it is also continuing to strongly encourage, but not mandate, its associates to get vaccinated by offering appointments in stores, providing two hours of paid time and allowing associates to get vaccinated during their shifts.