H-E-B Responds to Increased Vaccine Demand, Opens to Walk-Ins

H-E-B is making it easier for Texans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as the San Antonio-based grocer sees an increase in shopper demand for the vaccine. Beginning Aug. 16, H-E-B pharmacies will accept walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccinations from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. On weekends, COVID-19 vaccinations will be by appointment only. H-E-B also invites customers to make appointments through its online scheduler.

“These are temporary moves that will improve wait times and make the process more efficient,” said H-E-B in a release, noting that recently the number of COVID-19 vaccines administered from H-E-B Pharmacy locations each week has more than doubled.

“At a time when positive cases continue to rise, causing stress on hospital systems, the demand for COVID-19 vaccines at H-E-B pharmacies has significantly grown,” continued the company, which this week is on track to administer more than 75,000 COVID-19 shots.

Since rolling out COVID-19 vaccine late last year, H-E-B Pharmacy has administered nearly two million doses via in-store pharmacies and community outreach events, said H-E-B, adding that its pharmacies have “ample supply of COVID-19 vaccines” and have more than 1,800 certified immunizers across the state ready to administer shots.

COVID-19 vaccines are free to customers and open to people ages 12 and older. Children ages 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Adults ages 18 and older are eligible for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Masks are required for anyone getting a vaccination.

Recently named best in customer satisfaction among supermarket pharmacies by J.D. Power, H-E-B Pharmacy took the No. 1 spot in the data analytics and consumer intelligence company’s annual study, which measures customer satisfaction with brick-and-mortar and mail order pharmacies.

Rankings for the study, which is in its 13th year, are based on responses from pharmacy customers who filled a prescription during the three months prior to the survey. Last year, H-E-B Pharmacy ranked fourth in the study.

In addition to taking the top spot in overall satisfaction, H-E-B Pharmacy also ranked highest among supermarkets in cost competitiveness and prescription ordering and filling process, according to the study.

H-E-B Pharmacy says it continues to work closely with local, state, and federal governments and health organizations to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. The grocer has nearly 290 pharmacy locations in Texas.