BENTONVILLE, Ark. — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player above is from a previous story.
Walmart and Sam's Club are expanding access to the COVID-19 vaccine to all of its more than 5,100 pharmacies nationwide.
The company made the announcement Tuesday. It includes the 171 Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies across the state of Ohio.
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to get the vaccine, but Walmart and Sam's Club say walk-ins are now being accepted at all the locations. Walmart says this makes it more convenient for customers to get their shots while shopping for groceries or other essentials.
Walmart also says it's rolling out new programs to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and will continue efforts to increase access across the U.S.
“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.”
To encourage more Americans to get vaccinated, the company also launched a nationwide Get Out The Vaccine campaign. It's an extension of the retailer's role in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and the existing vaccination program. It provides education materials to be displayed in stores about the effectiveness and safety of the COVID vaccine.
Walmart is also utilizing mobile clinics to take vaccines straight into select communities. Most recently, Walmart partnered with the National Hot Rod Association at their Southern Nationals event in Georgia, where walk-up vaccines were offered to race fans. Walmart also handed out educational resources with background on the safety and efficacy of vaccines, along with information on how to register to get one.
With the expansion of vaccine supply, there are now around 4,000 Walmart and Sam's Club stores that are administering the vaccination in locations that have been designated as Medically Underserved Areas by the Health Resources and Services Location.
To encourage vaccination in these communities, Walmart and Sam’s Club will continue partnering with national and local non-profits, community partners and faith-based organizations on community vaccine events.
To get your vaccination, you can just walk into any Walmart or Sam's Club location, as supply allows. You can also schedule an appointment at walmart.com/COVIDvaccine or samsclub.com/covid. Customers can complete pre-vaccination paperwork ahead of time, if they want.
Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies are administering the J&J, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. You do not have to be a member at Sam's Club to get vaccinated there.
Walmart pharmacies are open seven days a week. Sam's Club pharmacies are closed on Sundays.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player below is from a previous story.