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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is launching an expanded roster of vaccinations in more than 2,700 Walmart discount stores.
The retail giant said Thursday that it will offer 10 immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — including vaccinations for shingles and whooping cough — in collaboration with Mollen Immunization Clinics at events taking place from Aug. 27 through Nov. 15.
Vaccines available at those Walmart stores include flu, which is offered at all locations with a Walmart pharmacy); pneumonia (pneumococcal), which also is offered at all stores with a Walmart pharmacy; hepatitis A and B; chickenpox (varicella); HPV (human papilloma virus); MMR (measles, mumps, rubella); meningitis (meningococcal); shingles (herpes zoster); and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
Walmart added that flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine will also be available at events in more than 3,800 Walmart stores with a pharmacy.
The company noted that it’s the first national retailer to use registered nurses to administer in-store vaccinations across all store locations. Through Mollen Immunization Clinics’ nurse network, Walmart will offer immunizations to those age 3 and older, based on CDC and Food and Drug Administration guidelines.
Walmart, too, is teaming up with Mollen to offer free blood pressure tests at all immunization events in Walmart stores on Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29.
"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many adults are not up-to-date with recommended life-saving immunizations. Vaccinations may not be top-of-mind while the weather is still warm, but they are a critical part of public health, especially in light of recent outbreaks of whooping cough and shingles," John Agwunobi, president of Walmart U.S. Health and Wellness, said in a statement.
"We are making it easy and affordable for our customers to receive their vaccinations," Agwunobi noted. "While on their normal shopping trips, they can simply stop by immunization events, which will accept thousands of insurance plans and offer low-price options for our cash paying customers."
Flu shots at Walmart are priced at $25. This year’s flu vaccine protects against the H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B virus strains.
The retailer said that for cash paying customers, its offers everyday low prices on immunizations, representing up to a 37% savings over other retail clinics. Customers can make an appointment in advance or stop by the vaccination events during their regular shopping trips, the company added.
