Hy-Vee to offer COVID-19 vaccinations in Iowa, South Dakota through federal vaccination program

The Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday, in announcing its Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination partners, named Hy-Vee a national partner in both Iowa and South Dakota.

Starting the week of Feb. 8, Hy-Vee anticipates receiving vaccine allocations directly from the CDC to help vaccinate qualifying residents in Iowa and South Dakota per each state’s vaccination guidelines. There will be an extremely limited vaccine allocation to start, with more allocations expected in the upcoming weeks.

“We have the infrastructure and resources in place to serve communities throughout our eight-state region as soon as we receive additional vaccine,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “Through our preparation efforts, we have the ability to start vaccinating eligible populations less than 24 hours after receiving allocations. The issue to date has been demand far exceeding supply, and we believe this partnership helps strengthen our advocacy efforts to receive more of the vaccine.”

Vaccine inventory is still limited and available to eligible individuals by appointment only at select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations. Once vaccines become available, appointments can be made through Hy-Vee’s online scheduler.  The pharmacy locations are not providing vaccinations on a walk-in basis at this time. Hy-Vee will also prioritize those who are due for second doses of the vaccine.