ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — The Robertsdale Walmart is the first location in Baldwin County to offer the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to a release issued Tuesday, Walmart was set to begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at the Supercenter, located at 21141 Alabama 59 with a drive through clinic starting Feb. 25 through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.
Those eligible to receive the vaccine and schedule an appointment at Walmart.com. Vaccines will be available to those who meet the current phase of vaccine eligibility in Alabama which can be found at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine/index.html.
There is no cost to receive the vaccine. Insurance is not required and second doses will be scheduled at the time of the first dose, according to the release. Those receiving the vaccine will follow drive through signs and are asked to stay in their vehicles.
In addition to appointments, the scheduler will provide a digital reminder when it is time to return for the second vaccine. Customers are encouraged to create a profile.
On Feb. 9, the department store giant, based in Bentonville, Arkanas, issued a release stating that Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies would begin administering COVID-19 vaccines Feb. 12.
More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states received federal vaccine allocations, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to health care, according to the release.
The initial list of locations included 73 in Alabama, 13 in Mobile County and one in Brewton, along with five locations in nearby Pensacola and Milton, Florida, prompting local officials to question why no locations in Baldwin County were included.
Baldwin County currently has seven Walmart locations, including Robertsdale, Bay Minette, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
According to the release, Walmart is holding vaccine events in locations that prioritize access in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health based on local need as well as operational capabilities.
“We have two goals as we administer vaccines: first, to get as many shots in eligible arms as possible so we can start the process of reopening our country, and second, ensuring equitable vaccine access across the communities we serve,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Health & Wellness. “We will continue finding new ways to increase vaccination access for our customers as we work towards the eventual end of the pandemic.”
Walmart is partnering with CDC and states to move as quickly as possible to help administer vaccines to eligible populations in 35 participating states, Puerto Rico and District of Colombia. Vaccine supply and eligibility will vary based on state and local guidelines, according to the release.
The number of vaccinations will be limited and is planned to continue to increase each week.
For a list of stores in each state administering the vaccine under the federal agreement, visit corporate.walmart.com/COVID-vaccine.
