COLUMBUS, Ind. — COVID-19 vaccinations are available at two retail pharmacies on Columbus’ west side.
Walmart and Sam’s Club will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines in Indiana through the United States Federal Retail Pharmacy Program today.
Through this program, vaccinations will be available at the Sam’s Club Pharmacy at 2715 Merchant Mile and the Walmart Pharmacy at 2025 Merchant Mile.
Walmart Health and Wellness Market Director Marianne Makar said appointments are required through the company website and walk-ins will not be accepted.
“We are really excited and proud to be a part of this initiative to protect our patients and the communities,” she said.
Individuals can schedule appointments and learn more about vaccinations at walmart.com/cp/1228302 and samsclub.com/pharmacy. Appointments will be available seven days a week, but timing will vary based on vaccine availability, the company said.
Scheduling is open for the Sam’s Club location, said Laura Ladd Poff, Sam’s Club senior manager of corporate communications. There were some appointments available heading into the end of the week.
“The current allocation is such that there are limited appointments available,” she said. “As allocation allows, we will open up additional appointments.”
Makar said that Walmart’s scheduling system is not yet open, so individuals will not likely be able to begin scheduling appointments until today.
In addition to setting up appointments, the scheduler will provide a digital reminder when it is time for a person’s second dose. Individuals will be asked to create a profile in order to help ensure that they receive their second vaccination within the required timeframe. A Sam’s Club membership is not required to sign up for vaccination.
Makar said that individuals will also be able to make appointments by calling 211 or going to ourshot.in.gov. Both stores have been added to the state’s map of vaccination sites. The links to register redirect users to the store’s websites.
Vaccines will be available to those who are eligible based on state guidelines. In Indiana, the following groups are eligible for vaccination — healthcare workers, first responders, long-term care residents and Hoosiers 65 years and older. More specifics on eligibility can be found at coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/.
The number of doses is limited by federal allocation and Makar could not say how much each pharmacy would receive. Allocations will arrive on a weekly basis, and the number of doses is likely to change each week based on how much vaccine each pharmacy receives.
In addition to the 22 states where Walmart will support vaccination efforts as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, the retailer is also currently administering vaccinations under the jurisdiction allocation in various states, territories and districts.
