Publix extends COVID-19 vaccination rollout to South Carolina

Publix Super Markets has expanded distribution of coronavirus shots to 42 pharmacies in South Carolina, the third state where the grocer is providing the vaccine.

Publix today began allowing eligible South Carolina customers to schedule a vaccination via its online reservation system at publix.com/covidvaccine, with immunizations starting Wednesday, Jan. 20. The shots are given by appointment only.

In line with the state of South Carolina’s guidelines, COVID-19 vaccines currently will be administered only to health care workers, people ages 70 and older, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, South Carolina state/local government employees, and contractors who are critical to the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.

The vaccinations, from Moderna, are being provided at no cost and while supplies last. Publix said customers will need to bring their insurance card or Medicare Part B card, and those without insurance must provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.

Publix will provide the coronavirus vaccine through its pharmacies in the South Carolina counties of Aiken (two locations), Anderson (one location), Beaufort (four locations), Berkeley (one location), Charleston (seven locations), Dorchester (three locations), Georgetown (one location), Greenville (six locations), Greenwood (one location), Horry (three locations), Jasper (one location), Lancaster (one location), Lexington (three locations), Pickens (one location), Richland (three locations), Spartanburg (two locations) and York (two locations). 

Related:Grocery retailers ramp up COVID-19 vaccine distribution

“At Publix, the health and safety of our communities is a top priority,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “We are grateful for this opportunity to step up and provide this important service during this critical time.” 

Also today, Publix more than doubled its number of pharmacies in Florida providing COVID-19 vaccinations, from 105 to 242. The Lakeland, Fla.-based supermarket chain said the state is providing another 70,000 doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine to Publix pharmacies. Online appointments will be taken starting tomorrow, and shots will be administered beginning on Friday, Jan. 22. In accordance with the state’s guidelines, vaccinations are being provided to people ages 65 and older. 

New Publix pharmacies set to administer the vaccine are in the Florida counties of Bay, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Escambia, Flagler, Hernando, Lee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, St. Johns, Santa Rosa, Volusia and Walton. 

Related:Publix expands COVID-19 vaccinations to over 100 pharmacies

Publix began administering COVID-19 shots to seniors earlier this month at 22 pharmacies in Florida and then expanded the program to 105 Florida pharmacies and to 108 pharmacies in Georgia last week. The Georgia pharmacies also are providing the Moderna vaccine.

The company said it continues to communicate with other states in its operating area to provide COVID-19 vaccinations as part of its distribution efforts. Overall, the food and drug retailer operates 1,264 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.