Walmart and Sam’s Club 1 million doses of the coveted COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be shipped to Florida pharmacies this week, with vaccinations starting Thursday.
The shipments are received as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. The program aims to accelerate the distribution of vaccines and eventually expand to 40,000 pharmacies.
Nationally 6,500 pharmacies will receive the vaccine.
Florida lawmakers have said that pharmacies in Miami-Dade and Broward counties expect significant supplies. But getting the vaccine isn’t going to be as easy as walking in and getting a flu shot.
An appointment is needed to receive the vaccine and you must meet the admission requirements. In Florida, priority is given to seniors 65 and older and primary care health workers.
An online tool used to schedule appointments through pharmacies is expected to be launched in the coming days.
Top health officials say most people should have success booking appointments in the coming months.
“Things will get better from February to March to April as the number of vaccine doses available will increase significantly,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci.
In South Florida, vaccinations are continuing for those who need it most.
For example, 700 independent and assisted residents in the John Knox Village Community in Pompano Beach will receive their first dose of the vaccine tomorrow.
So far, 1,326,136 people in Florida have had their first dose of the vaccine.
667,830 people have been fully vaccinated.
Read more vaccine updates here.