Walmart announces list of stores where eligible Alabamians can get COVID-19 vaccine

CULLMAN, Ala. –  Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program Feb. 12, 2021, according to a media release from the company. Multiple Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Alabama are included in the program.

More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states are receiving federal vaccine allocations this week, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to health care.

The company said it worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and states, considering population density, customer demographics, infection rates and availability of local health care resources among other factors to identify many of the participating locations.

“The company also looked at pharmacies located in Medically Underserved Areas, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration. For example, the Walmart store in Brewton, Alabama, was chosen because it is in a designated medically underserved area and is the only location to administer the vaccine for 102 miles,” said the release.

“Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. We’re at the heart of many rural and underserved communities, and we are committed to providing access to vaccines as groups become eligible,” Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, health & wellness, said. “Vaccinations to achieve widespread immunity are important for re-opening across the country. We’re proud to work together with the federal government, states, communities, customers and associates to reach that goal.”

The company said it is partnering with the CDC and states to move as quickly as possible to help administer vaccines to eligible populations in participating states, including Alabama, where the company said it will be the sole preferred pharmacy partner under the federal program.

Vaccine supply and eligibility will vary based on allocation as well as state and local guidelines. The number of vaccinations will be limited and is planned to continue to increase each week. Eligible customers can schedule a vaccine appointment directly via the Walmart and Sam’s Club websites once appointments are available, making it convenient to get vaccinated while allocation lasts. A membership is not required to get a vaccination at Sam’s Club. In addition to appointments, the scheduler will provide a digital reminder when it is time to return for the second vaccine, which is why customers are asked to create a profile, helping to ensure customers receive the second dose of the vaccine.

Walmart will be partnering with other providers and organizations to expand access to offsite vaccination clinics. The company will share details of these new vaccine options as they become available.

Those eligible for a vaccine in the state of Alabama are those recognized in Phases 1a and 1b and parts of Phase 1c of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Vaccine Allocation Plan. Those eligible include frontline health care workers, nursing home residents, law enforcement, first responders, people older than 65, educators, people living in congregate settings, food and agriculture workers, U.S. Postal Service, manufacturing, grocery store, and public transit workers, judiciary, clergy/ministers, state legislators, supreme court and appellate judges, constitutional officers, and cabinet agency heads. View the allocation plan at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine/assets/adph-covid19-vaccination-allocation-plan.pdf.

For a list of Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in each state administering the vaccine under the federal agreement, visit corporate.walmart.com/COVID-vaccine. For the list specific to Alabama, visit https://bit.ly/3a311T3.

Vaccinations are available for eligible recipients at the following Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Alabama: