"With the recent authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 12-15, we’re proud to partner with school districts to bring vaccine clinics to families in communities we serve around the country," Del Sloneker, SVP and COO, Walmart U.S. Health & Wellness writes.
"The clinics provide a familiar setting for adolescents to get vaccinated at their school, as well as a convenient location for parents. The clinics are staffed with the same trusted, trained pharmacy staff who support our store pharmacies. It’s a win-win for both families and communities as we work to provide access to the vaccine and end the pandemic.
"So far, we’ve worked with local school districts to coordinate vaccine clinics in dozens of communities throughout Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania. We’ve administered thousands of vaccines to date through these efforts and are planning to partner with additional educators to bring our clinics to even more students and families in the coming weeks.
"Setting up a vaccine clinic in a school requires some complex logistics navigation, and I am so proud of our Walmart team who has risen to the challenges before them as they administer vaccines in many venues, including pharmacies and through community events.
"From bringing cold storage units onsite to safely transport the vaccines, to implementing a system to collect parental consent, to training our pharmacists to address vaccine hesitancy, we are working hard to make it safe, convenient and easy for people to get protected against COVID-19.
"To make an appointment at one of our more than 5,100 pharmacies administering the vaccine, our digital appointment scheduler (walmart.com/COVIDvaccine or samsclub.com/covid) is available, or people are welcome to just walk into any Walmart or Sam’s Club pharmacy to get their shot. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for those under age 18." ■
An upper level high pressure system is expected to continue aiding well above average and potentially dangerous temperatures throughout the West into the first full weekend of September.