Kroger supermarket chain plans to deliver 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses per week

One of the country’s largest supermarket chains is ramping up its efforts to deliver up to a million COVID-19 vaccinations every week at its pharmacies, clinics and through outside events.

Officials of the Kroger Co. plan to use the first hour of pharmacy activity every day to focus on administering the three FDA-approved vaccines, according to a report in industry publication Progressive Grocer.

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The Kroger Co. operates grocery stores under a number of names in 35 states, including more than 100 stores in southeast Texas and Louisiana.

Patients will still be able to make appointments throughout the day, but that “ focus hour ” of the morning will allow for more vaccine doses to be administered, company officials said. In addition to in-store vaccinations, the supermarket chain plans to hold 100 mass vaccination events elsewhere in the country later this month.

Last month, Kroger joined other supermarket chains to incentivize its employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Employees are eligible for a one-time payment of $ 100 if they can demonstrate that they have received the full manufacturer-recommended doses of a vaccine.

SEE ALSO: Supermarket giant Kroger pays $ 100 to workers who get the COVID-19 vaccine