The bug is in violation of senior Gov. Ron DeSantis’ vaccination plan, but Walmart says it will keep the appointments in the window where extended access was available.
Earlier this week, Florida said vaccines would be available at 119 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the state. And on Walmart’s scheduling website, Florida residents could be extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 due to hospital providers registering.
However, DeSantis said last month that the state will prioritize those 65 and older, as well as residents of long-term care institutions and staff and health care staff with direct patient contact for the vaccine.
He said only hospital providers can vaccinate people who they say are extremely vulnerable to Covid-19.
But despite the confusion, Walmart says it will abide by the appointments.
“Walmart is working to bring our scheduling system in line with the specific populations that the state has asked us to vaccinate under the federal retail pharmacy partnership. We honor all appointments made so far in all categories listed in the Executive Order, “has the Walmart. spokesperson added.
The spokesman said the retailer does not know how many people are registered for the vaccine, but promises to honor everyone who does.
CNN also contacted DeSantis’ office for comment.
The Biden government announced last week that the federal government would begin direct shipments of coronavirus vaccines to retail pharmacies, with a total of one million doses going to about 6,500 stores as part of the program. These doses are separate from the grants that the federal government sends to each state, although they are still subject to the guidelines of each state.
According to the National Association of Drug Stores, the goal of administering 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine within 30 days is realistic, but pharmacies need enough doses to do so.
“Ultimately, NACDS pharmacies can reach and exceed the 100 million vaccinations within a month, but it is important to understand that the supply of vaccines remains the rate-limiting factor in the vaccination effort,” said Steven Anderson, president and CEO of NACDS.