DENVER — Starting Friday, Walmart will be giving out more than smiley face stickers. The retail giant will be giving COVID-19 vaccinations in Colorado and nationwide.
"I get my flu shots at Walmart — the little pharmacy that they have. So, I would have no problem with that at all, because they all got medical license and stuff, so I’m cool with that," said Walmart customer Mel Wiche.
The federal government partnered with Walmart in part, because of the many locations it has around the country.
"Walmarts are everywhere. Walmart is almost like 7-Eleven. It’s almost on every corner," said Wiche.
Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program Friday.
Here are all Colorado Walmart and Sam's Club locations participating:
Neither a Walmart representative or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment could say exactly how many vaccines they’ll be getting, but they are looking forward to what the collaboration could mean for a wider spread distribution.
"One of the greater vantages of these pharmacies is there easily accessible. They all have open web portals and are easy for the public to access it. They can call so specifically for accessing the Walmart portal," said COVID-19 Incident Scott Bookman.
To sign up, you first must be eligible through state guidelines. Then you simply go to Walmart's or theSam's Club sign up website. A Walmart representative tells us it will be a first come, first serve basis.
As of Wednesday evening, the Walmart portal was experiencing technical difficulties. The message on the website states: "The COVID-19 vaccine scheduler is currently experiencing technical issues. We are diligently engaged in resolving. We will communicate once it is fully functioning again."
