GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.,
Jan. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- Midwest retailer Meijer has been chosen by the State of Michigan as an initial pharmacy
partner to help administer COVID-19 vaccines. Meijer has 120
pharmacies throughout the State of
Michigan and more than 250 pharmacies throughout its
six-state footprint. The retailer is also announcing a text-based
registration process for those who want to register to receive the
vaccine.
"Our stores and pharmacies have played a very important role in
supporting their communities during this difficult time," Meijer
President & CEO Rick Keyes said.
"We are proud to be chosen by the State
of Michigan as a partner to help administer these critical
vaccines and we look forward to our expanded role in helping
communities throughout the Midwest defeat this pandemic."
With this announcement, Meijer has been selected by the
State of Michigan to directly
receive and administer COVID-19 vaccines under the Federal Retail
Pharmacy Partnership Program. Meijer will administer the first
doses of COVID-19 vaccine at a limited number of stores in
Wayne County to patients 65 and
older beginning the week of January
18. Specific store locations have not yet been
determined.
"The State of Michigan is proud
to partner with Meijer to help distribute the safe and effective
COVID-19 vaccine to Michiganders across the state," Gov.
Gretchen Whitmer said. "One of the
most important things all Michiganders can do right now is to make
a plan to get the vaccine when it becomes available to you.
Remember, it will take some time to distribute the vaccine to all
Michiganders, so please be patient. And until we end the pandemic
once and for all, remember to mask up, practice safe social
distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where the virus can spread
easily from person to person. We will get through this
together."
As more doses become available, Meijer will expand COVID-19
vaccine administration to include more stores throughout the state.
Those who wish to register for the vaccine simply need to text
COVID to the number 75049 and they will receive a
link to register. Individuals can also go online to
https://clinic.meijer.com to register.
The link will include three brief questions that allow Meijer
pharmacies to properly determine which vaccine phase the patient is
in. As COVID-19 vaccines are received, customers will be contacted
with a date for their vaccine. They will also be able to decline
the date offered, while staying in the registration group for a
future date or opt out of the process if they change their mind or
have already received the vaccine.
In late 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) announced the U.S. government's partnership with numerous
pharmacies such as Meijer. Pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and
pharmacy technicians routinely provide vaccinations in retail and
grocery stores. Therefore, the federal government has recognized
pharmacy vaccinators as crucial public health partners for
increasing access and convenience of COVID-19 vaccines.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that
operates 256 supercenters and grocery stores throughout
Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and
family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop
shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include
expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies,
comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers,
toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please
visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on
Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or
become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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SOURCE Meijer