Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is set to offer coronavirus vaccines through its in-store pharmacies, thanks to a government program recently announced by the Biden administration. Walmart has worked with the Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) to determine the most optimal locations for distribution sites.
Walmart is receiving its vaccines as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, one of several measures instituted by the Biden administration to speed up vaccine rollout. As part of the program, Walmart and other pharmacies will be issued vaccines by the federal government for distribution to citizens.
As part of its part in the program, Walmart coordinated its rollout efforts with both the C.D.C. and state governments, taking population density, infection rates, and local medical resources, among other factors, to determine which stores would receive vaccines. Walmart also looked to deploy vaccines to stores in medically underserved areas that might not otherwise receive vaccines.
"Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. We're at the heart of many rural and underserved communities, and we are committed to providing access to vaccines as groups become eligible. Vaccinations to achieve widespread immunity are important for re-opening across the country. We're proud to work together with the federal government, states, communities, customers, and associates to reach that goal," Walmart executive vice president of health and wellness Dr. Cheryl Pegus said.
Walmart's rollout is limited to 22 states, including Florida and Alabama. Other states, however, will be covered by other participants in the federal program, including fellow retailers Costco (NASDAQ: COST) and Albertsons (NYSE: ACI), as well as pharmacies such as Walgreens (NASDAQ: WBA) and CVS (NYSE: CVS). The program's goal is to extend the reach of the COVID-19 vaccine to as many Americans as possible through retail locations they are already familiar with.
"Pharmacists are highly trusted and trained healthcare providers who have direct access to and knowledge of their patient populations. Pharmacists are trained to counsel patients, administer vaccine [sic], and provide vaccine education, and pharmacies are readily accessible in communities - with most Americans living within five miles of a pharmacy," the C.D.C. wrote.