SIOUX FALLS – Walmart pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines in South Dakota through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program on Friday.
Vaccinations will be available at four locations in South Dakota: Brookings, Huron, Mitchell and Vermillion.
Eligible customers can schedule a vaccine appointment via the Walmart website, at https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302, once appointments are available. Vaccines will be available to those who meet the current phase of vaccine eligibility in South Dakota, which can be found at the South Dakota Department of Health website, https://doh.sd.gov/Covid/Vaccine/Public.aspx.
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 healthcare. While initial vaccine supply is limited, Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacists and technicians stand ready to help expand vaccine access across the country.
In consultation with Center for Disease Control and states, Walmart took into account the population density, customer demographics, infection rates and availability of local healthcare resources among other factors to identify many of the participating locations.
“Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. We’re committed to helping people live better – and healthier lives – in South Dakota, and we take that role very seriously,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, health and wellness. “We want to help the country re-open, but we can only achieve that through widespread COVID-19 vaccination. We’re proud to work together with the federal government, states, communities, customers and associates to expand access to the vaccine and reach that goal.”
Walmart is partnering with the CDC and states to move as quickly as possible to help administer vaccines to eligible populations in participating states. For a list of stores in each state administering the vaccine under the federal agreement, visit www.corporate.walmart.com/covid-vaccine
Vaccine supply and eligibility will vary based on state and local guidelines. 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 in the timeframe required. Appointments are available seven days a week, but exact timing will vary based on local availability of the vaccine.
