ShopRite plans to distribute COVID-19 vaccine

As the COVID-19 vaccine expands its availability, retailers are stepping up to ensure the public will have an opportunity to get vaccinated.

ShopRite is the latest retailer to announced a partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control to ensure access once the vaccine becomes available.

“We’re proud to take part in this groundbreaking public health campaign, which could significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Jeffrey Mondelli, vice president of pharmacy, health and beauty at Wakefern Food said, the logistics, distribution and merchandising arm for ShopRite stores. “The federal program is aiming to mass immunize the population throughout the spring of 2021, and our pharmacists are up to the challenge and ready to help our communities.”

Under the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, ShopRite Pharmacy locations will have the opportunity to support the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 by providing access to vaccine, the company said.

In addition, the company also is working with state and local jurisdictions to participate in earlier phases of the campaign that aim to reach priority populations, including health care workers, long-term care facility residents and front-line workers.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC and HHS to offer the vaccine to our shoppers at our participating ShopRite Pharmacy locations once it is available,” added Mondelli. “By working with these federal agencies and a network of pharmacy partners, we can help rapidly expand access to COVID-19 vaccines in the neighborhoods served by our ShopRite Pharmacy stores. This is the next step in helping to revitalize our communities.”