Publix expands COVID-19 vaccine distribution, offers employees gift card incentive

Publix pharmacies have begun accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina.

The Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer announced that vaccination appointments will be available online to eligible individuals while supplies last.

Currently, only 60 pharmacy locations in the state will be giving out vaccinations in the Aiken, Anderson, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenville, Greenwood, Horry, Jasper, Lexington, Pickens, Richland, Spartanburg and York counties.

In accordance with the state’s guidelines, vaccines will be administered to healthcare workers, individuals age 65 years old and older, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, and caregivers for medically fragile children with a medical provider’s signed attestation, as well as state and local government employees, the company said.

The retailer also announced that it will offer employees a $125 Publix gift card after they complete the full COVID-19 vaccination.

“We care about our associates and customers and believe getting vaccinated can help us take one step closer to getting back to normal,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “We’re encouraging our associates to get vaccinated when they become eligible and doses are available.”