Based on recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Pfizer booster shots are now available six months after completion of the original series for certain individuals.
The booster shots are recommended for those age 65 and over; residents in long-term care facilities; age 50-64 at high risk of COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions; age 18-49 at high risk of COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions; and people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart and Sam’s Club stores are now administering Pfizer booster shots in more than 5,100 pharmacies around the country, where supply allows.
In addition, Walmart supports long-term care facilities and will provide help to administer boosters to those in facilities with in-store events and onsite events at skilled nursing facilities. Walmart and Sam’s Club will partner with community groups and local officials to administer vaccines and now boosters to eligible individuals in communities across the country, with a focus on rural and underserved areas.
Last month, the CDC recommended third doses for immunocompromised individuals, which the company has been administering from the first day of launch. Walmart continues to work closely with health care officials to follow recommendations and monitor for any changes in guidance.
“Thank you to our pharmacists, pharmacy techs, vision center associates and all our H&W associates who go the extra mile day after day to help our customers live healthier,” said Dr. John Wigneswaran, Walmart’s chief medical officer. “Our commitment remains unwavering to meeting the health care needs of our communities in ways that are affordable and accessible to all, and we are proud to play an important role in administering vaccines, third doses and now booster shots.”
All immunizations are administered by certified pharmacists, technicians and health care professionals who are trusted members of their communities. Walmart also continues to have a variety of initiatives in place to make it easy for customers and associates to get vaccinated while following COVID-19 safety protocols, including:
- Digital appointment scheduler: Walmart and Sam’s Club offer a digital scheduler, which allows customers to reserve vaccine appointments directly via the Walmart website for COVID-19, first series doses, third doses and booster shots. Customers can also make an appointment by scanning a QR code directly in Walmart stores;
- Walk-In Availability: Walmart and Sam’s Club have walk-in availability to encourage people to get vaccinated and get their booster shot during their regularly scheduled shopping trips. This makes it quick and easy for customers and members to get convenient shots in stores and clubs nationwide, without needing an appointment;
- Digital Vaccine Record: For those who receive their COVID-19 vaccination at Walmart and Sam’s Club, a Digital Vaccine Record is available that can be saved, downloaded or shared with third-party verification apps; and
- Additional Immunizations: In addition to COVID-19, Walmart administers other immunizations like COVID-19; flu; measles, mumps, rubella (MMR); varicella (chicken pox); HPV; tetanus, whooping cough (TDAP) and more. CDC guidance says these can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine with no waiting period.
Walmart also provides COVID-19 testing at select locations.
To learn more about wellness resources available at your neighborhood Walmart, please visit walmart.com or at Sam’s Club at samsclub.com.
