Walgreens marks 5M administered COVID-19 vaccinations
Walgreens has hit a big milestone in its efforts to administer COVID-19 vaccines. The retailer announced Tuesday that it has provided roughly 5 million COVID-19 vaccinations across long-term care facilities, stores and dedicated clinics. Additionally, the company has conducted more than 60,000 clinics at long-term care facilities and vaccinated a majority of residents and staff that opted to receive their vaccine from Walgreens.
“We’re now seeing steep declines in new COVID-19 cases and related deaths in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. demonstrating the remarkable impact these vaccines can have in this pandemic,” said John Standley, president of Walgreens. “Walgreens is incredibly proud of our more than 40,000 immunizers who ensured the successful administration of vaccinations in these facilities. With their deep experience, as well as increasing vaccine supply, we are making significant strides in accelerating access to COVID-19 vaccines.”
The news comes as the nation’s vaccination efforts continue to ramp up, with Dr. Michelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reporting Monday that 59 million Americans have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and roughly 31 million — 9.2% of the population — currently are fully vaccinated.
Walgreens noted that this week, it will be receiving roughly 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. The company now is supporting 43 states and jurisdictions with vaccines via the partnership, adding 16 states last week.
The company noted that as the Biden administration and the CDC is saying that teachers and childcare workers should be prioritized for the vaccine and receive their first shot by the end of March, these workers now can schedule their vaccination at Walgreens stores. Walgreens also is working with states, cities and school districts to conduct dedicated clinics for school staff and childcare workers.
Walgreens noted that as it vaccinates people, it is working to further its Vaccine Equity Initiative, with nearly half of its federal vaccine allocation being distributed to stores in medically underserved areas and areas with highs social vulnerability index scores. The company said pharmacists also are making outbound calls to ensure residents in these communities receive vaccination appointments.
The company said that its vaccination efforts are taking place alongside its work to expand COVID-19 testing, with an additional 1,500 stores set to begin offering drive-thru tests by April 1. Walgreens said it has administered nearly 5 million COVID-19 tests, with the ability to conduct roughly 3 million tests per month.