Publix, the supermarket chain, is offering COVID-19 vaccines to those eligible at 42 Publix pharmacies in South Carolina from Wednesday, January 20, while supplies last.
South Carolina joins Florida and Georgia where vaccinations have already been made available at select Publix locations.
The chief executive officer of Publix, Todd Jones, said in a statement Monday: "At Publix, the health and safety of our communities is a top priority. We are grateful for this opportunity to step up and provide this important service during this critical time."
Here's how to register to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Publix.
How to book an appointment for a COVID vaccine at Publix
All those eligible for COVID-19 vaccination at Publix must register to receive it by booking an appointment.
The vaccinations, which are offered for free, are available by appointment only. Appointments must be booked online at www.publix.com/covid-vaccine and cannot be reserved by calling Publix or the Publix pharmacies.
Read more
Many Floridians Overdue for 2nd COVID Vaccine Dose, Worried of Side Effects
Woman Has Allergic Reaction to COVID Vaccine, Encourages Others to Get Shot
Which States Have Vaccinated the Most and Least People? Newest CDC Data
At the aforementioned Publix link, click on the state in which you wish to book your appointment, which then draws up a list of counties in the state and the "appointment status" for each county. The page also lists who is eligible for the vaccine, which differs by state.
"Customers with health insurance will need to bring their insurance card to their scheduled appointment. Medicare members should bring their red, white and blue Medicare Part B card. Customers without health insurance will need to provide their driver's license or Social Security number," the company advises.
Those eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in South Carolina were able to book appointments from Tuesday. But currently, for both South Carolina and Georgia, the Publix website states: "All available COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Publix Pharmacy have been claimed. Additional appointments will be announced as Publix receives more inventory."
Publix tweeted on January 13: "All available COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Publix Pharmacy Florida locations have been claimed. Additional appointments will be announced as we receive more inventory. Check http://publix.com/covid-vaccine for the latest information."
In a tweet last Friday, the company noted: "The current [Florida] counties [where vaccines are being offered] were selected based on the states' criteria. At this time, the DOH [Department of Health] designated Publix stores located in Bay, Citrus, Collier, Escambia, Flagler, Hernando, Marion, Okaloosa, St. Johns, Santa Rosa, Volusia and Walton counties to receive vaccine doses."
Customers leaving a Publix supermarket in Miramar, Florida on July 16, 2020. Those eligible who are able to get a COVID-19 vaccine at select Publix pharmacies in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina must make an...Customers leaving a Publix supermarket in Miramar, Florida on July 16, 2020. Those eligible who are able to get a COVID-19 vaccine at select Publix pharmacies in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina must make an appointment online to book a vaccination. Johnny Louis/Getty Images
The wider picture
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 95.6 million people, including just over 24 million in the U.S., since it was first reported in Wuhan, China.
More than two million people have died worldwide and more than 52.7 million have recovered as of Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
The graphic below, produced by Statista, illustrates countries with the highest rate of COVID-19 vaccination.
StatistaThe graphic below, produced by Statista, illustrates the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.
