Albertsons hits 1M COVID-19 vaccinations milestone
Albertsons has administered more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses across its various banners nationwide. The Boise, Idaho-based retailer’s milestone comes as it opens appointments at its pharmacies to teachers as part of the Biden administration’s push to vaccinate educators.
“Our pharmacy teams across the country are working diligently in serving our communities during this national effort. We are deeply grateful to our federal partners and local jurisdictions in delivering this important milestone,” said Omer Gajial, Albertsons senior vice president of pharmacy and health. “We continue to provide equitable vaccination solutions to underserved and rural customers and will accelerate our services as doses become more widely available.”
Among the educators eligible for vaccines at Albertsons banner pharmacies beginning this week are those who work in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools, as well as staff for Head Start and Early Start programs — including bus drivers, teachers and staff. Additional eligibility exists for licensed child care providers.
Albertsons said that it currently is participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program in Alaska, Arizona, California, Chicago, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia. The company also noted that is working with the federal government and local jurisdictions to administer COVID-19 vaccines in the communities it serves.
Albertsons also has made a point of bringing vaccination services to hard-to-reach populations and underserved communities via vaccination clinics. Some highlights include a clinic in Washington where Safeway and Albertsons pharmacists administered more than 25,000 vaccines in conjunction with the National Guard. The company also has held clinics in Phoenix, as well as Bellevue, Olympia and Wenatchee, Wash., administering more than 11,500 doses to teachers, support staff and caregivers.
The company’s clinics also have prioritized older Americans, including one in Pueblo, Colo., and another in Bensenville, Ill. — the latter of which saw Jewel-Osco pharmacists vaccinate more than 1,500 older patients, earning a proclamation recognizing the clinic from the local village board.
Albertsons noted that as it continues its vaccination efforts, the pharmacies that operate across its banner stores are able to administer 150,000 doses per day. It currently is utilizing 15% of its total capacity.