Walmart, Sam’s Club pharmacies in Minnesota to administer COVID-19 vaccines
In this Sept. 3, 2019 file photo, a Walmart logo is displayed outside of a Walmart store, in Walpole, Mass.[AP/ Steven Senne]
Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program on Friday.
Residents can schedule a vaccine appointment via Walmart and Sam’s Club websites once appointments are available while allocation lasts. According to a release, as of Wednesday, the Walmart scheduling system has experienced technical difficulties following a surge of appointments. The team is working to resolve the matter, which is not expected to affect the program launch on Friday.
As directed by state officials, vaccines at retail pharmacies in Minnesota are currently limited to those 65 and older. More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states are receiving federal vaccine allocations this week, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to health care.
Walmart and Sam’s Club note that, while vaccine supply is limited, their pharmacists and technicians are standing ready to help expand vaccine access in Minnesota and across the country.
“Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. We’re committed to helping people live better – and healthier lives – in Minnesota, and we take that role very seriously,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Health & Wellness. “We want to help the country re-open, but we can only achieve that through widespread COVID-19 vaccination. We’re proud to work together with the federal government, states, communities, customers and associates to expand access to the vaccine and reach that goal.”
Below is the list of locations offering COVID-19 vaccines in Minnesota:
A membership is not required to get a vaccination at Sam’s Club. In addition to appointments, the scheduler will provide a digital reminder when it is time to return for the second vaccine, which is why customers are asked to create a profile, helping to ensure customers receive the second dose of the vaccine.
Walmart representatives said they recognize there are people who may have difficulty accessing in-store clinics, so they will be partnering with other providers and organizations to expand access to offsite vaccination clinics. The company will share details of these new vaccine options as they become available.
“We are giving Minnesotans expanded options for how they can get the vaccine,” Gov. Tim Walz said. “The vaccine supply remains extremely limited, but we are developing a strong and reliable network of different ways Minnesotans can get vaccinated. We are committed to meeting Minnesotans where they are and will work relentlessly to give everyone access to the vaccine no matter where they live.”
For more information on how Sam’s Club and Walmart are supporting the vaccine rollout, click here.