Florida Walmarts and Sam's Clubs will begin acceptingandadministering federal allocations of COVID-19 vaccines next week through their pharmacies, according to a Walmart press release Tuesday.
The vaccines will be available at these pharmaciesthanks to the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program,a collaboration between the federal government, states and territories, and 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Other pharmacies in this program for Florida includePublix Super Markets and Southeastern Grocers, according to the CDC website.
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"Walmart is proud to be selected by both CDC and state governments based on a number of factors, including our ability to reach specific populations that are at risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19," the release said. "Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart, and we can make a real difference in our communities by partnering with state and local governments to improve access to the vaccine."
Pharmacies in 22 states giving vaccine
Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies in 22 states have been selected, according to the Walmart release. Individual pharmacies by state were not released as of Wednesday morning.
In addition to Florida, the following states have been selected for this program: Alaska; Alabama; Arkansas; Colorado; Georgia; Idaho; Indiana; Kansas; Louisiana;Maine; Minnesota; Missouri; Mississippi; Nebraska; Nevada; Oklahoma; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; and Wyoming.
Walmart also has agreementsin place with local governments and will administer vaccines in partnership with state, territory and district jurisdictions in Arkansas; Chicago; Delaware; District of Columbia; Georgia; Indiana; Iowa; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maryland; New Jersey; New Mexico; Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; Wyoming; and Virginia.
Once eachlocationhasreceived the vaccines, eligible customers and members can reserve a vaccine appointment directly via a scheduling tool on the Walmart and Sam’s Club websites, while vaccine doseslast, according to the release.Eligibility will be determined by the states.
For Walmart, the website iswalmart.com/COVIDvaccine. For Sam's Club, the website issamsclub.com/covid.
In addition to appointments, the scheduler will provide a digital reminder when it’s time to return for the second dose of the vaccine in order for the vaccine to be fully effective.
The number of doses of the vaccine Walmart and Sam's Club will be receiving was not disclosed in the press release, howeversupply is limited and the number ofappointments will increase once additional doses become available.
"We know that achieving widespread COVID-19 vaccination is how we will eventually end this pandemic, and we are ready to serve our communities, customers and associates as we work towards this goal," the release said."Our pharmacies will continue to support states and the federal government to help increase the accessibility and availability of COVID-19 vaccines for Americans across the country."
What you need to know about Walmart, Sam's Club and the COVID vaccine
Here are some frequently asked questions provided by Walmart:
Is there a cost to the vaccine?
The federal government is providing the vaccine at no cost.The reimbursem*nt for the administration fee will either be billed to private insurers or be covered by the federal government. The cost of the administration fee will never be passed on to the customer.
What do I need to bring to the pharmacy for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Please bring both your pharmacy and medical health care insurance card if they are different. Some health plans pay for the COVID-19 administration fee through the health benefit and some pay through the pharmacy benefit. Customers may also need to bring eligibility documentation as required for their state, signifying they are in the current priority group.
Why do I need to provide my insurance information if the COVID-19 vaccine is at no cost?
The federal government is providing the vaccine at no cost. In accordance with federal guidelines, Walmart, like most other providers, is billing applicable insurers/government plans for the administration of the vaccine only, not the actual vaccine.
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare, and Medicaid must provide coverage of the administration fee for the COVID-19 vaccine. For those without insurance, Walmart will submit for reimbursem*nt for the administration of the vaccine under the Provider Relief Fund. Walmart will not bill you for the vaccine, any portion of the administration fee, or anything else associated with the COVID-19 vaccine.
Can customers choose which vaccine they receive?
Vaccines will be allocated by the states; pharmacies will not have control over which vaccines are in stock.Customers will receive the vaccine that has been allocated and is within the FDA authorization. Moderna is authorized for 18 and older, and Pfizer is authorized for 16 and older.
