Pharmacies Extending Friday Hours in June to Increase Access to COVID-19 Vaccination

Thousands of pharmacies across the country are extending their operating hours on Fridays during the month of June with the goal of getting more individuals vaccinated against COVID-19. The collaborative effort by pharmacies, which include Walgreens, CVS, and Albertsons Company stores, is part of the National Month of Action for COVID-19 vaccinations announced June 2 by President Biden.¹

According to The White House, the campaign is an effort to have as many individuals as possible receive at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by July 4 and it relies on mobilizing many different partners, including national organizations, businesses, and volunteers. Pharmacies are being called upon to provide more opportunity for individuals with less flexible work hours to receive the vaccine by extending their operating hours to create more convenient access.¹

Walgreens announced Thursday that 4000 of its pharmacy locations will provide the extended hours of operation to walk-in patients seeking vaccination on June 11, June 18, and June 25, 2021. Additionally, the company noted, Walgreens has more than 400 pharmacy locations across the country 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in which individuals can receive a COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment.²

Individuals can also schedule appointments, including same-day visits, based on availability, to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through Walgreens (Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or calling 800-Walgreens), Albertsons (albertsons.com/vaccinations/home), and CVS (cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns).

In addition to in-store availability, pharmacies nationwide are working to address vaccine hesitancy and reduce common barriers to COVID-19 vaccine access in a variety of ways. These initiatives include mobile clinics, raising awareness about vaccine access, educating patients who are vaccine-hesitant, addressing social detriments in communities, and partnering with employers to provide vaccines in the workplace.

One unique way that Walgreens is addressing lack of access to vaccines is through a partnership with Uber and PayPal Foundation. The partners are working together to ensure that individuals in need can receive free transportation to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Additionally. myWalgreens members can donate Walgreens Cash rewards to the program’s Vaccine Access Fund through their mobile app.²

In addition to more common methods, CVS is working to incentivize the COVID-19 vaccine by offering a sweepstakes. Customers who have or plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through CVS Health currently have a chance to receive a variety of prizes that include money, gift cards, trips, and experiences such as attendance at the iHeartRadio Music Festival and Super Bowl LVI.³

REFERENCES

1. National Month of Action for COVID-19 vaccinations. The White House. Accessed June 10, 2021. https://www.whitehouse.gov/national-month-of-action/#:~:text=President%20Biden%20has%20announced%20a,lives%20of%20nearly%20600%2C000%20Americans
2. Walgreens continues to boost COVID-19 vaccination access across the country [news release]. June 10, 2021; Walgreens. Accessed June 10, 2021. https://news.walgreens.com/press-center/news/walgreens-continues-to-boost-covid-19-vaccination-access-across-the-country-.htm?view_id=8541
3. CVS Health announces sweepstakes to encourage vaccinations and thank customers [news release]. May 27, 2021; CVS. Accessed June 10, 2021. https://www.cvshealth.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/cvs-health-announces-sweepstakes-to-encourage-vaccinations