Sponsored By

Meijer plans round of COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Michigan

Supercenter chain expects to administer 25,000 doses this week

Russell Redman

February 8, 2021

2 Min Read
Meijer_contactless_pharmacy_0.jpg
So far, Meijer pharmacies have provided more than 30,000 doses overall since the first clinic last month.Meijer

Meijer is kicking off a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics at stores across Michigan and expects to administer up to 25,000 doses by the end of this week.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer said Monday that it will provide the coronavirus inoculations to Michigan residents ages 65 and older who have signed up through its online vaccine registration process at clinic.meijer.com.

In recent weeks, Meijer has held COVID vaccine clinics in counties throughout the state, noting that it has administered up to 1,200 vaccines in a day at some stores. The supercenter retailer said it has provided more than 20,000 doses in Michigan and over 30,000 doses overall — mainly to seniors — since its first clinic on Jan. 15.

“We are very proud of the role our stores and pharmacies continue to play in this massive effort to vaccinate people against COVID-19,” Meijer President and CEO Rick Keyes said in a statement. “As a pharmacy partner to both the state of Michigan and the federal government, we have been able to receive vaccines and quickly administer doses to thousands of people in our communities, usually within 72 hours.”

The clinics are being held via partnerships with Michigan counties and cities and will administer vaccine doses received from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccinations are offered by appointment only, and eligible individuals can register by texting “COVID” to 75049, visiting their local Meijer pharmacy or accessing the online scheduling tool. After getting the first shot, patients will automatically be invited to another clinic to receive the second dose.

Related:Biden administration expedites COVID-19 vaccine distribution to pharmacies

Given the limited supply of vaccines, Meijer noted that it’s not releasing clinic locations; registered customers will be contacted directly with a time and location when an appointment window becomes available. The company added that it aims to offer the vaccine to all eligible Michigan residents, based on CDC guidelines, in the coming weeks and months.

“I’m extremely proud of the amazing work our store and pharmacy teams have done to create a quick and efficient process for our vaccine clinics,” commented Jason Beauch, vice president of pharmacy at Meijer. “The importance of these clinics is not lost on our team members and patients. It’s a very emotional experience for everyone involved.”

Overall, Meijer operates 256 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

Read more about:

Meijer

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like