Some Walmart, Sam’s Club pharmacies to soon administer COVID-19 vaccines

Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Arkansas will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible customers in select locations on Friday (Feb. 12) as part of an expanded federal effort to expand vaccine distribution.

The company said customers who meet the eligibility requirements can schedule an appointment via the Walmart and Sam’s Club websites once appointment times become available. Vaccines will be available to those who meet vaccine eligibility in Arkansas which can be found at the Arkansas Department of Health website.

Walmart said more than 1,000 of its pharmacies in 22 states are receiving federal vaccine allocations this week, with the emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to healthcare.

Stores in Northwest Arkansas that are supposed to get the vaccine include the Bentonville supercenter, both Springdale supercenters and the Sam’s Club in Springdale, and the supercenter on Walnut Street in Rogers. None of the stores in Fort Smith are on the list, but Sam’s Club and four Walmart locations in Jonesboro and one supercenter in Little Rock are on the list to get vaccines. A complete list of the stores administering the vaccine can be found at this link.

“Ninety percent of the country lives within ten miles of a Walmart. We’re committed to helping people live better – and healthier lives – in Arkansas, and we take that role very seriously,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, health & 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 said it is partnering with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will move quickly as possible to administer vaccines to eligible populations in participating states. In addition to the 22 states where Walmart will support the vaccination efforts as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, the retailer is also administering vaccinations under the jurisdiction allocation in 11 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Walmart said customers who schedule an appointment online will also get a digital reminder when it is time to return for the second dose. Walmart said consumers don’t have to be Sam’s Club members to sign-up for an appointment, but they will be asked to create a profile online. Appointments are available seven days a week, but exact timing will vary based on local availability of the vaccine.