Local access to coronavirus vaccines is expanding as of Friday.
Walmart, a partner in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, will have vaccines available starting Friday. Vaccines will be available at 20 Walmart stores across Kansas, including the Emporia store. There is no word on how many vaccinations will be available and there is no official word from Walmart on whether any sectors of the population will be prioritized although it says it is working with state health departments for vaccines. Kansas is currently in Phase 2 of its vaccination plan, with seniors high-contact critical workers and people in congregate settings among the populations eligible for doses.
Vaccines are free. To start the process, go online to www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine or use the Walmart app.
Kroger, the parent company of Dillons, has several stores across Kansas starting the vaccination process Thursday. The Dillons store in east Emporia is currently not on a list provided by the company.
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program already involved CVS and Walgreens in an effort to get people in long-term care facilities vaccinated. The program is a collaboration between the government, states and territories and 21 national pharmacy partners or independent pharmacy networks.
Vaccinations will continue through efforts by Lyon County Public Health and other county health departments across the area. Lyon County’s next closed vaccination pod is Friday at the Bowyer Community Building. Phase 2 seniors are the priority group for the 600 available doses.
Lyon County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director Jennifer Millbern will update the county’s COVID-19 response effort at 7:15 am Thursday on KVOE and KVOE.com. The next COVID-19 Vaccination Briefing as at 8:20 am Monday on KVOE and KVOE.com.
