US retailer Walmart has begun administering vaccines in more than 3,800 stores and clubs in 48 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.
The retailer is offering vaccines through its in-store pharmacies and mobile clinics.
Walmart has focused on administering COVID-19 vaccines to residents in rural and vulnerable communities across the US.
'Medically Underserved Areas'
Over 80% of shots administered through the group's pharmacies and community vaccination events were in what the Health Resources and Services Administration designates as the 'most medically underserved areas of the country'.
In Jackson, Mississippi, Walmart partnered with the Jackson Housing Authority to set up a clinic in a community centre for a low-income senior housing unit where it administered nearly 2,000 vaccinations to vulnerable senior citizens.
The chain hopes to expand vaccine administration to all 5,400 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies when allocation allows.
Walmart has partnered with dozens of community organisations to host off-site clinics across the country, and is planning to expand its efforts with Walmart’s Mobile Wellness Fleet.
It believes that mobile clinics will allow the group to expand its reach directly to rural and hard to reach communities.
Priority For Teachers And School Staff
Walmart has also prioritised scheduling for teachers and other school staff at more than 1,400 locations across the US, to meet the goal of vaccinating all teachers and childcare workers by the end of March.
The retailer partnered with large school districts in Dallas, Mississippi, and Chicago to hold clinics at both school facilities and within Walmart pharmacies to vaccinate educators, school staffs, and licensed childcare providers.
The chain is also encouraging its employees to receive a vaccine by offering appointments to employees in stores and clubs and providing two hours paid time to get a vaccination.
It is also allowing employees to get the vaccine during their shifts, if it is being offered at their home location.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
