ATLANTA – Walmart is preparing to offer COVID-19 vaccinations in parts of several states, including Georgia, in the next few days.
The world’s largest retailer joins Publix, Kroger, and Ingles in Georgia as retailers offering COVID-19 vaccinations to customers.
“We’re supporting states in select stores and clubs as states roll out the vaccine for specific populations as the state determines this week and next, including Chicago, New Jersey, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. As well like Puerto Rico, “Walmart’s Rebecca Thompson told 11Alive on Friday. “At the request of the states of New Mexico and Arkansas, we have given vaccines in select stores and clubs.”
According to a Reuters report, the move comes as President Joe Biden works to accelerate a slow national vaccination campaign that “stranded about half of the 38 million shots that were distributed in freezers instead of guns.”
US Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) Said Thursday that the previous leadership had left no vaccine distribution plan
RELATED: Sen. Warnock: Trump administration has not abandoned the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan
The Sam’s Club locations are in Athens and Columbus. The Walmart locations are in Rincon, Eastman, Dahlonega, Jesup, Villa Rica, Waynesboro, Rome, Eatonton, Albany and Adel.
Residents 65 years of age and older and caregivers, if any, became eligible for the vaccine on Jan. 11 as part of the Georgia Phase 1A + roll out. That day also began vaccinations for law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, dispatchers, and 9-1-1 operators, as per state guidelines.
RELATED: How to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Metro Atlanta
State health officials said the vaccination process may vary by state. The Georgia Department of Public Health website reiterates that vaccine supplies are limited and, like most other providers, public health authorities schedule vaccinations online by appointment.
In addition to each county location, the Ministry of Health is offering COVID vaccines from retailers such as Kroger, Ingles, Publix, and U-Save-It, as soon as supplies are available, according to the participating locations.
