Walmart offering vaccines for walk-ins, larger federal push to boost vaccinations

WALPOLE, Mass. — After months of navigating confusing state websites and waiting to be alerted when a dose was ready, now, walk-ins can receive a vaccine from Walmart without an appointment at all of its stores and Sam’s Club locations.

“Widespread vaccination is the only way we will eventually end the pandemic and help our country reopen. We don’t want anyone to get left behind as we enter this new chapter in our fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Health & Wellness for Walmart.

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In Massachusetts, 53% of residents have received the first dose, and 38% are fully vaccinated, according to government data compiled by The Boston Globe.

The state set a goal of having four million people vaccinated by now. So far, the number hovers just under that, at 3.9 million, according to Gov. Charlie Baker’s office.

MORE: Gov. Baker says state plans to close 4 mass vaccination sites by end of June

In Massachusetts and nationwide, there has been a slowdown in demand for vaccines.

The federal government has begun a larger effort to open up vaccine access at pharmacies without appointments to get every adult in America at least one shot by July 4th.

In addition to administering vaccines without appointments, Walmart is joining the federal push to reduce vaccine hesitancy and educate the public through new programs, including its Get Out the Vaccine campaign providing vaccine educational materials to customers at its stores, according to the company.

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