Walmart takes aim at COVID in underserved, vulnerable communities

With eligibility requirements easing and vaccine supply growing, Walmart is now administering vaccines in more than 3,800 stores and clubs across 48 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., while focusing on rural and vulnerable areas across the country.

“More than 80% of shots administered through our pharmacies and 60 dedicated community events were in what HRSA designates as the most medically underserved areas of the country,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, health & wellness, Walmart, in a blog post. “For example, in Jackson, Mississippi, we partnered with the Jackson Housing Authority to set up in a community center for a low-income senior housing unit where we administered nearly 2,000 vaccinations to vulnerable seniors.”

Those sort of efforts are taking place all across the country at Walmart stores and vaccine events.

“We remain focused on reaching communities with access issues and vaccine hesitancy, especially those located in medically underserved areas where Walmart has a presence,” said Pegus. “That continued focus will play a key role in reopening the country, and we hope to do even more and expand vaccine administration to all 5,400 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies when allocation allows. We’ve partnered with dozens of community organizations to host off-site clinics across the country, and we’re planning to expand our efforts with Walmart’s Mobile Wellness Fleet.”

Related:Walmart, CVS, Walgreens participate in COVID-19 vaccine PSAs

Click on the gallery to see Walmart’s fight against COVID in action.