Meijer prepares pharmacies for COVID-19 vaccine

Meijer is rolling out plans to rev up for the eventual COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

“Throughout this pandemic, our stores and store teams have played an important role in supporting communities throughout the Midwest,” Meijer president and CEO Rick Keyes said. “We are aggressively preparing for the next phase of this challenge, which will be to ensure our communities have the ability to quickly and safely obtain a COVID-19 vaccine once they become available.”

The retailer announced that its pharmacies will be maximizing access to the vaccine by allowing its pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians to routinely provide the vaccination in retail and grocery stores.

In addition, Meijer also is developing specific technical solutions to help manage both the volume and patients, as well as the need for follow up to ensure patients are receiving a second dose in a timely manner, the company said.

“I’m very proud of our Meijer team and our partnership with the CDC and HHS to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to our communities once its available,” Meijer vice president of pharmacy Jason Beauch said. “Our pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians throughout the Midwest continue to prepare for the unprecedented challenge of vaccinating a very large number of people in the near future.”