Breckenridge Texan

Local Walmart customers can now get COVID-19 vaccines at the pharmacy with no appointment necessary.

On Tuesday, Walmart and Sam’s Club announced that the immunizations are available to customers and associates in all of their more than 5,100 pharmacy locations nationwide, including the 587 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Texas.

Pharmacist Cody Wimberley confirmed the Breckenridge Walmart pharmacy is offering the vaccinations on a walk-up basis, as well as by appointment. Customers who schedule an appointment can complete pre-vaccination paperwork ahead of time, if interested. Appointments can be made at walmart.com/COVIDvaccine and samsclub.com/covid.

The Breckenridge Walmart has the Moderna vaccine, and Wimberley said you can get both shots at Walmart. Anyone who received the first shot somewhere else and cannot make it back to that location can get their second shot at Walmart.

“Now that supply and eligibility have expanded, it’s even more important for us to reach underserved and vulnerable populations to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Health & Wellness. “Widespread vaccination is the only way we will eventually end the pandemic and help our country reopen, and we don’t want anyone to get left behind as we enter this new chapter in our fight against COVID-19.”

Additionally, Stephens Memorial Hospital is offering vaccines today until 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. They have the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines available. People need to bring their ID and insurance card, if they have one. There is no charge for the vaccine.

Reaching Into Communities

Walmart and Sam’s Club continue emphasizing vaccine access in locations that reach customers in vulnerable communities. With the expansion of vaccine supply nationwide, there are now nearly 4,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations administering the vaccine in locations designated as Medically Underserved Areas by the Health Resources and Services Location (HRSA).

To encourage vaccination in these communities, Walmart and Sam’s Club will continue partnering with national and local non-profits, community partners and faith-based organizations on community vaccine events.

Encouraging Associates to Get Vaccinated

Walmart and Sam’s Club continue to strongly encourage, but not mandate, associates to get vaccinated. To help make this process as easy as possible, the retailers are:

• offering appointments to associates in stores and clubs,
• providing two hours paid time to get a vaccination, regardless of where associates get their shots,
• and allowing associates to get the vaccine during their shifts if vaccines are being offered at their

Both Walmart and Sam’s Club have also enhanced their COVID-19 emergency leave policy to include three days of paid leave for any vaccine side effects for associates.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout at Walmart and Sam’s Club, visit corporate.walmart.com/covid-vaccine.

(Photo courtesy of Walmart)