Rite Aid announced on Friday, April 30, it is now administering the COVID-19 vaccine at all locations, spanning more than 2,500 stores in 17 states. “Following the latest guidance from the Biden Administration, all those aged 16 years or older are now eligible for vaccination, and Rite Aid encourages everyone to schedule an appointment as soon as possible,” the statement read.

 

While scheduling appointments in advance is recommended to reduce wait time and guarantee availability of the vaccine, Rite Aid is now also accommodating walk-in vaccines on a limited basis in every store. “Enabling walk-in appointments supports customers who may not have access to internet while also meeting the need for flexibility for customers,” the statement read. People interested in a walk-in appointment are encouraged to visit their local Rite Aid to confirm availability.

 

Jim Peters is chief operating officer at Rite Aid. “The availability of vaccines in every Rite Aid location is a major milestone in our ongoing effort to fight COVID-19,” he said. “We’ve been on the front lines since the beginning of the pandemic, working across our store footprint to bring testing and vaccines directly to local communities.”

He added, “Vaccine availability is improving every day, and our pharmacists are ready to administer vaccines safely and efficiently, providing the benefits of pharmacist-administered vaccines in a safe and sterile environment right in your neighborhood. Also, in addition to the grassroots efforts we’ve undertaken with our community partners, the availability of these walk-in appointments provides another way for those with limited or no technology access to more easily obtain COVID vaccines. We encourage everyone to make an appointment, or walk-in, today.”

 

According to Rite Aid, through its participation in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and as an “Official COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider,” Rite Aid has accelerated its COVID-19 immunization efforts as allocation has expanded. Rite Aid’s certified immunizing pharmacists are administering the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines.

 

New York City Health Commissioner, Dave Chokshi said in a tweet on Friday, “I comment @riteaid for implementing walk-ins for #COVID19 vaccination at their sites across New York City. And I call upon @cvspharmacy, @walgreens and others to follow suit in allowing universal walk-ins.”

I commend @riteaid for implementing walk-ins for #COVID19 vaccination at their sites across New York City. And I call upon @cvspharmacy, @walgreens and others to follow suit in allowing universal walk-ins.https://t.co/aqBBRkfCcs

— Commissioner Dave A. Chokshi, MD (@NYCHealthCommr) April 30, 2021

 

Individuals ages 18 and over can schedule appointments using the Rite Aid scheduling tool found at www.RiteAid.com/covid-19.

 

Those ages 16 and 17 can schedule an appointment with guardian consent at any store administering the Pfizer vaccine by contacting the store’s pharmacy directly. Those stores can be found here.

 

For more information about Rite Aid’s COVID-19 vaccine efforts, visit www.RiteAid.com/covid-19.