As a participant in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, Walmart will soon receive direct supplies of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.  The company will initiate vaccination programs at 43 locations in 18 states with an emphasis on demographics with limited access to healthcare.  Walmart has partnered with local community leaders and non-profits including the Casa del Immigrante, the Indianapolis Urban League and the Jackson Housing Authority and other organizations to provide vaccines for susceptible populations.

Dr. Cheryl Pegus, Executive Vice President of Health and Wellness at Walmart stated, "we have focused most of our events in medically underserved neighborhoods and we are proud to play a part in increasing access to the vaccine in these communities".  In addition to drive-through locations in store parking lots and in-store pharmacies, Walmart will also establish off-site locations to serve populations most in need.

Although the rate of vaccination is increasing to levels of two million doses per day and with greater availability of the two mRNA vaccines, the elderly poor and other minorities are disproportionately less likely to receive a vaccine.  This is based on their inability to make appointments due to lack of internet access and problems obtaining transport.  With the advent of the J&J vaccine that requires only refrigerated storage and is administered as a single dose, Walmart will be in a more favorable position to vaccinate populations in remote rural areas in addition to inner-city neighborhoods.