The state of Alabama is working with Walmart to enable COVID-19 vaccinations in its stores, health officials announced.
Scott Harris, state health official, said the details of the partnership were forthcoming and that a timeline for the program had not been set, but added that it would be soon. The state is also close to an agreement with a “large drug store chain” to deliver vaccinations, Harris said.
Harris said the state will use part of its allocation to go directly to chain pharmacies to facilitate faster delivery to the public. Alabama has seen a slow implementation of its vaccination program and is currently giving approximately 45% of the allotted doses.
ADPH employees have been diverted from current duties to expedite the vaccination process. Healthcare workers, residents and employees of long-term care facilities, law enforcement and firefighters, as well as people over the age of 75, can currently receive the vaccination.
Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, announced in December that it would administer the COVID vaccine at 5,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies nationwide. The chain placed freezers and dry ice in all places to store the vaccine.
Walmart stores in New Mexico have already started helping the state with vaccinations.