Walmart "Preparing for Vaccine Distribution... 90% of Americans Live Within 10 Miles of a Store"

Over 5,000 Stores Nationwide and Sam's Club Pharmacies Utilized
"Freezer Checks and Dry Ice Stockpiling Prepared"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] US retail giant Walmart is preparing to distribute COVID-19 vaccines nationwide once they receive approval, CNBC and other media reported on the 10th (local time).

According to the report, Dr. Tom Van Gilder, Walmart's Chief Medical Officer (CMO), stated in a post on the official website, "Walmart is preparing to receive vaccines at over 5,000 stores and its subsidiary Sam's Club pharmacies." Since vaccines require cold storage, they are stockpiling freezers and dry ice to maintain the necessary low-temperature storage conditions.

Walmart is one of several companies preparing to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in the US. Dr. Van Gilder said Walmart has signed agreements with state governments to administer vaccines at pharmacies and long-term care facilities. He added that they have begun addressing issues, including staff training, to eliminate any factors that could delay vaccine distribution.

Dr. Van Gilder stated, "With 90% of the US population living within 10 miles (approximately 16 km) of a Walmart, we will play a crucial role in ensuring that people eligible for the vaccine according to each state's priority can receive it." He emphasized, "We all know we are ready to return to normal life and move beyond the pandemic, and the vaccine will enable us to do so."

In addition to Walmart, pharmacy chains CVS Health and Walgreens have also signed agreements with the government to vaccinate residents and staff of care facilities.

Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), recommended emergency use authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to the FDA on the same day. Given this recommendation following thorough review, vaccination is expected to begin soon after subsequent procedures and vaccine distribution are completed.

According to Worldometer, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the US reached 16,017,418 on the day, with deaths nearing 300,000.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.