COMMUNITY — The federal government is shipping 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine directly to retail pharmacies starting this week.

The new shipment will be a part of the first phase of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and will go to 6,500 stores nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Rite Aid locations in select states.

The number of stores is expected to increase in the coming weeks based on supply.

“90 percent of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy,” National Association of Chain Drug Stores President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, said. “The nation’s 40,000 regional and national pharmacy locations are vital for scaling COVID-19 vaccinations.”

With limited supply, not all store locations will receive the doses. 

The stores will include CVS locations in California, New York, Texas and Maryland, and Walgreens locations in Arizona, Illinois and North Carolina.

One thousand Walmart and Sam’s Clubs pharmacies in 22 states will also receive doses.

Recipients of the vaccine will need to answer screening questions at the store’s websites to ensure eligibility for their area. 

Medical insurance cards, pharmacy cards, driver’s license or other government-issued proof of identity should be brought to any appointment.

Most pharmacies are likely to follow up with a text or email alert about both the first dose and second dose appointments.

For more information residents are encouraged to visit their local pharmacies websites or mobile apps to confirm eligibility and availability of the vaccine.